By: Brandon Whitaker
During the week of Oct. 12, two local news outlets reported on a sexual assault case involving a Radford University student and members of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
According to WDBJ7, the incident occurred in March 2025 at a house party attended by members of the fraternity. The student, who will be identified as Jane Doe to protect her privacy, initially agreed to take drugs and engage in sexual intercourse with two men at the party but later attempted to reject their advances.
WDBJ7 also reported that Doe filed a Title IX complaint with the university following the incident. She said months passed without an update about potential disciplinary consequences for the two men. According to the report, once she finally heard from Title IX, she was told they would “likely be expelled from the University.”
Both news outlets reported that the men involved were not expelled; the university suspended one of the men for four months and required him to write a two- to three-page essay before returning to Radford University. University officials said the other man accused in the case had never been enrolled at Radford.
The case was initially reported to the university approximately 18 months ago and later discussed anonymously among students on the social media app Yik Yak. University officials subsequently addressed the case publicly on Oct. 16.
Radford University President Bret Danilowicz sent an email to students addressing the reports and outlining available campus resources.
Dear Highlanders,
Some of you may have recently seen or read concerning media reports involving Radford University students. We recognize that news of this nature can be troubling and may leave members of our campus community feeling unsettled or unsure of where to turn.
First and foremost, I want you to know that your safety, well-being and sense of belonging matter deeply to us. Every member of our community deserves to feel safe, respected and supported. Any report of alleged sexual misconduct is serious, and we recognize the profound impact these situations can have on individuals and our community as a whole.
We also understand that you may have questions about the reports and how the university responds to allegations of misconduct. To protect the privacy and rights of students involved in these matters, we cannot publicly disclose or confirm whether individual complaints have been filed. Radford University has established processes through its Standards of Student Conduct to address reports of alleged misconduct, support students and promote a safe campus environment.
Resources for Students and Employees
No one should feel that they have to navigate a difficult experience alone. Students who experience or report alleged sexual misconduct have access to a range of support services and resources, including the Office of the Dean of Students, Radford University Police Department, the Office of Compliance, the Office of Student Standards and Conduct, Student Counseling Services, and Substance and Violence Education Support. Students are encouraged to contact university offices or local law enforcement agencies.
Resources and support services are also available to employees. All employees can contact New River Valley Community Services for confidential support services at 540-838-8000. Employees enrolled in the university’s health insurance plan also have access to confidential support services through the Employee Assistance Program.
Whether you need assistance, have concerns or simply want someone to talk to, we encourage you to reach out to one of those offices. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and there are people in our Highlander community who are ready to listen and support you.
Opportunities for Dialogue
We also recognize that fostering a safe, supportive campus requires opportunities for dialogue. In the coming weeks, we plan to promote options to hear directly from members of our campus community about their experiences, questions and concerns. These conversations will provide opportunities to strengthen our campus community, and your participation will help inform this important effort.
Additionally, we have already seated a Presidential Task Force to examine current practices and recommend meaningful actions that further strengthen campus safety, prevention efforts and student support. We will share additional information about these initiatives as details are finalized.
We know that trust is built through actions. As a university, we have a responsibility to listen to concerns, approach difficult conversations with openness and compassion, and take thoughtful steps to strengthen our community. Especially during difficult moments, we must continue to work together while also caring for one another.
Bret Danilowicz
President
Danilowicz and Chief of Staff Ryan Boyer attended the Student Government Association’s general body meeting Oct. 12 to discuss the planned presidential task force and an ongoing audit of student standards and conduct.
Danilowicz said the task force would include three student representatives and asked students to provide feedback on the initiatives during the meeting.
In an interview with WDBJ7, Doe described the impact of the case on her university experience.
“I feel like I have been systemically failed. And that’s part of why my Radford experience was completely ruined. Other than, obviously, any time I go somewhere I have eyes on me,” she said.
