Rape Allegation Prompts Campus-Wide Alert At LMU

WESTCHESTER (CBSLA.com) — Students at Loyola Marymount University were warned this week about a rape at an off-campus party.

It allegedly took place in the early morning hours of Nov. 1 in the 8700 block of Yorktown Avenue, according to an email alert sent by school officials Wednesday to the university community.

The house in question, approximately three miles from campus, is home to an unofficial fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Several neighbors said they saw police and college students surround the house during a party on Halloween night.

The campus alert included safety tips for students that suggested students remain alert, not walk alone at night, report suspicious activity to police, scan parking lots and streets, look "confident and purposeful" while walking and "not flash" things such as cell phones and laptops.

The fraternity issued a statement Monday regarding an investigation by the organization's national headquaters.

"We are committed to the safety and well-being of our members and the guests with whom they interact, and that commitment includes making sure our members provide a safe, enjoyable environment in their homes. Any form of assault or sexual misconduct is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate actions that are inconsistent with our values. In addition, Sigma Alpha Epsilon will not hesitate to take corrective actions or impose sanctions on any member or chapter that fails to follow the stringent guidelines we set forth in our comprehensive health-and-safety program," Associate Executive Director of Communications Brandon E. Weghorst said.

Anyone with information about the allegation was asked to call the LAPD's Pacific Division at (310) 482-6334.