The Emory Police Department (EPD) received an anonymous complaint of sexual battery on Oct. 22 which detailed an incident that occurred at the Student Programming Council’s (SPC) Homecoming concert at McDonough Field on Oct. 16.
The EPD incident report stated that an anonymous first-year female student told the University’s Campus Security Authority that “she was fondled by an unknown male student” while attending the concert. Upon seeing the alleged offender fondle several other women, the female student “tried to get the attention of the Emory Police to intervene but was unable to do so.”
In a Nov. 2 statement to the Wheel, Assistant Vice President of Communications and Marketing Laura Diamond said on behalf of the University and EPD that they did not have “enough information to conduct a formal investigation” because the report was anonymous. The report was officially filed to keep track of incidents for the annual safety report.
“We know some survivors choose not to come forward, and Emory continues to work on ways to make them feel empowered to report these incidents,” Diamond wrote. “Students may submit these reports anonymously.” ”
SPC acknowledged the incident on Oct. 27 and noted their support for the survivors in a post on their Instagram.
“We are aware that some students have expressed safety concerns about the Homecoming concert,” the post read. “We want to make sure students who may have been impacted have resources.”
SPC President Thomas Heagy (22B) did not provide further comment on the SPC post, instead referencing the Instagram post. He reiterated that there are resources for students affected by these incidents.
Students looking for resources can contact the EPD at (404) 727-6115 or Emory’s Title IX Office and Office of Respect. Diamond wrote that anyone is encouraged to contact interim Title IX Coordinator for Students Marti McCaleb at marti.mccaleb@emory.edu to learn about survivor resources and rights.
