EMU officials covered up dozens of 'brutal rapes,' lawsuit alleges

Detroit — Eastern Michigan University officials are accused of covering up a series of sexual assaults involving more than 10 victims who were allegedly raped on or near campus, some details of which emerged during a ritualistic ceremony at a fraternity, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court.

Eleven women, using the alias Jane Doe, filed a civil rights lawsuit against the university’s board of regents, police department and several fraternities, including Alpha Sigma Phi and Delta Tau Delta.

Their 166-page lawsuit alleges fraternity members covered up sexual misconduct by their members that was revealed at the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house during a so-called "Mystic Circle" event created as a judgment-free confessional involving members sitting in a ring in an unlit room. During one "Mystic Circle" event, an accuser was placed in the center of the circle and accused a fraternity brother of raping her.

“This case is all about fighting for these victims’ rights and changing the culture of what exists today to recognize the difference between right and wrong,” said attorney Todd Flood, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the women Wednesday.

Read more: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/03/24/eastern-michigan-university-coverup-dozens-brutal-rapes-lawsuit/6986245002/