April 02--Elmhurst College officials are investigating a report of an alleged incident of forcible sexual offense.
The college released an email alert to students this week informing them of a delayed report of the incident that allegedly occurred in the early morning hours of March 12 in a dorm room at Stanger Hall between two students.
"It was between two students who knew each other," said Jeff Kedrowski, executive director of security and emergency management. "We don't believe it was the traditional definition of a rape. It was under the category of forcible fondling."
He said the student reported the alleged sexual offense to the college's Title IX office but did not report it to local police. The college also did not file a report with local police.
"The victim has control over that," he said.
He said the college's Title IX coordinator is obligated to ensure that all students and employees have the opportunity to learn in an environment that is free of discrimination or harassment.
In the case of an alleged sexual offense, "that might mean offering a change of class schedule or a change of residence to make sure that the environment isn't hostile to that person (who made the report)," he said.
He said the college is continuing to investigate the matter, and no disciplinary action has yet been taken against the student accused of the offense.
Deputy Chief Jim Kveton of the Elmhurst Police Department confirmed Thursday that it had not received a report of the alleged sexual offense.
amannion@tribpub.com
