USC Frat Parties Must Have Security Guards Blocking Bedrooms

LOS ANGELES, CA — Several University of Southern California fraternities can soon resume throwing parties after a series of rape allegations temporarily shut down the Greek gatherings, but securities guards will have to be stationed outside the hallways leading to bedrooms, an unsettling reminder of the university's sexual assault problem.

The security guard requirement is among a series of new university policies in response to allegations made last year about women being drugged and sexually assaulted at some USC fraternity parties, the Los Angeles Times reported. Fraternities subject to ongoing investigations — four of them, currently — will not be allowed to resume throwing parties in March during "rush."

In addition to preventing guests from entering bedrooms during parties, the rules call for security guards to be posted at fraternity house entry points. The security companies must be hired in consultation with the university.

All fraternity social events at the college were halted in October after the allegations surfaced, and USC's leadership came under fire for its handling of the allegations. While activities at 16 fraternities were halted, a total of four ended up on interim or modified suspension and continue to be investigated under Title IX of federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in schools and educational programs.

The strict new rules mandate sexual violence prevention training for all USC fraternity members under the rules drafted by representatives of the fraternities, student government, other student groups, safety experts and faculty.

USC Provost Charles Zukoski said the partnership between the group and the university was critical to the future of Greek life at the university, which has about 21,000 undergraduate students and about 4,000 as members of fraternities and sororities.

"Our community must work together to end sexual assault on our campuses," he wrote this week in announcing the new fraternity requirements. "We appreciate everyone who brings forward concerns and reports sexual assault and other issues impacting safety and well-being, and we understand how difficult this can be."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.