Education

Two Swarthmore Fraternities Dissolve After Leaked Documents Reference ‘Rape Attic’ And Racist Acts

No featured image available

Two fraternities decided to disband themselves from a Pennsylvania college following documents that were leaked, which referenced a “rape attic” and alleged racist acts by former members.

Delta Upsilon and Phi Psi chapters at Swarthmore College made the announcement Tuesday over their individual Facebook pages.

The Voices and Phoenix, two campus publications, published the documents allegedly written by Phi Psi members between 2013 and 2016, NBC News reported.

There were references of rape and sexual assault and Delta Upsilon allegedly had a “rape tunnel and a rape attic.”

There were also racist language when discussing a member’s sexual encounter with a black woman, according to the Phoenix.

Swarthmore President Valerie Smith said in a statement that an external investigation will be conducted, but there is currently no proof that current fraternity students were involved with the alleged activities.

“Without question, those materials provide a vivid account of deeply disturbing, unacceptable behaviors and practices,” Smith wrote Wednesday.

Phi Psi wrote on Facebook that current members were in middle and high school at the time the documents were written.

“We were appalled and disgusted by the content of these minutes, which led us to question our affiliation with an organization whose former members could write such heinous statements,” the fraternity wrote. “We cannot in good conscience be members of an organization with such a painful history.”

Delta Upsilon said in a statement they hope the “former house will provide a space that is inclusive, safe, and promotes healing.”

Follow Neetu on Twitter

Send tips to: [email protected]