Updated 3/31 with information based on a UCPD investigation.
Two brothers at Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity, both 20 years old, were cut at 3:55 a.m. Saturday morning in a fight after a party at their house on 5615 South University Avenue, according to the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) and an unnamed source. The source revealed the name of third-year Chad Joyce, another brother, as being involved in the fight.
The source was told Joyce’s name by third-year and U of C’s FIJI chapter president Evan Dreyer. The source revealed Joyce’s name to a Maroon reporter before the reporter could identify himself, and did not wish to be attributed. The source said Joyce cut the victims, both undergraduates, with a knife, though a subsequent UCPD investigation found that one victim was cut while breaking up the fight and did not determine who was responsible for starting it, according to UCPD spokesman Robert Mason, who did not name any of the students involved.
The two injured brothers were brought to the University of Chicago Medical Center where they were treated and released, according to UCPD. No charges are being filed against Joyce.
The fight took place after FIJI’s “Around the World” party Friday night, though none of the party’s guests were in the house when the fight took place, according to Dreyer. “It was pretty much only brothers,” he said.
He described the fight as a result of an argument between two brothers. When it escalated, Dreyer said, other fraternity members came to help. He did not identify Joyce to the Maroon out of respect for his privacy. “I don’t want speculation to run rampant,” Dreyer said.
According to Dreyer, one of the brothers who tried to separate the two fighters was cut, but along with others succeeded in pulling them apart. Dreyer said the wounds were “nothing life-threatening.” The Chicago Police Department was called soon after the incident.
Dreyer said the situation is under control, and that violence “is not tolerated by the administration or the fraternity.” He added that he is working with the dean of students office to resolve the situation.
“We understand the importance of the issue,” Dreyer said. “We handle our business.” Dreyer called the situation “an internal issue.”
Administrators would not address the specifics of the incident or what the ramifications will be for the offender.
Kim Goff-Crews, vice-president for campus life and dean of students, did say in a statement what the intentions of the University were. “Violence cannot be tolerated,” she said. “We are taking this situation very seriously and are working closely with the dean of students office in the College to implement an appropriate disciplinary process.”
UCPD, who questioned Joyce, listed the incident as an aggravated assault, which under Illinois state law is a Class A misdemeanor. Had charges been filed, the offender could have faced a sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
— With additional reporting by Chris Boots and Michael Lipkin
“an unnamed source who was told Joyce’s name by third-year and U of C’s FIJI chapter president Evan Dreyer”
What kind of reporting is that? I know this must be a “hot” story to report on, but have some respect for the parties involved, and for Greek life in general. This was a tough weekend for anyone associated with Greek life, and to put this article under Emma’s article is just poor taste. I expect more from the Maroon.
“to put this article under Emma’s article is just poor taste.”
What did you expect them to do? Bury it in some back page? I mean the Greek community can’t always sweep their issues under the rug.
FRAT!!!!!
LOL “not life threatening”?? Dudes are getting soft IMO.
I too am a Phi Gam, and this chapter has a long history of fighting with one another. Their behavior is apalling, and every time I visited the chapter, they were not interested in forging relationships with brothers from other chapters. One time I visited the chapter house with my then girlfriend, and one of the brothers completely disrespected by propositioning her to have sex with him. The slogan “trust your brothers” is most definitely not the motto in this chapter. As a whole, Phi Gamma Delta is a wonderful association to be a part of, and I have had many memorable moments as a FIJI. However, there are always a few bad apples in the bunch, and while I forgive the Chicago chapter’s nasty social agenda, I will never forget the impression they left upon me.