Sexual Assaults Lead To Temple University Student's Suspension

PHILADELPHIA — A Temple University student has been suspended as the school and police investigate two reports of sexual assault.

According to Temple, officials received two credible reports from various sources alleging sexual assault. One incident is reported to have taken place during a social event in a residence hall, and the other at an off-campus location.

Officials said both incidents potentially involved the same suspect, who was identified Wednesday.

Their identity was not released.

As a result, the university placed a student of interest on interim suspension pending investigations by the university, Temple Department of Public Safety and the Philadelphia Police Department. That student is prohibited from being on campus or in university buildings or classes, officials said.

The university is strongly encouraging students with any information or otherwise in need of support regarding any concerns of sexual misconduct to contact:

• Temple Police at 215-204-1234 or police@temple.edu;
• Title IX Coordinator at 215-204-3283 or titleix@temple.edu;
• or the Dean of Students Office at 215-204-7188 or dos@temple.edu.

Any member of the Temple community or the public can also submit an anonymous report at helpline.temple.edu.

The school offered these tips for safety when socializing:

• Consent is a clear, voluntary and informed agreement between participants. When it comes to any form of sexual activity whether kissing, touching or sexual intercourse consent must be explicit, meaning it requires an active “yes,” not the absence of a “no.” It must be freely given, never assumed, coerced or obtained through pressure, manipulation or intimidation. A person who is asleep, unconscious or significantly impaired by alcohol or drugs cannot give consent. \
• It is also important to look out for one another while socializing when you go out with friends, make a pact to stay together and leave no one behind.
• Remember, Temple University has a medical amnesty policy that states that no student will be subject to university discipline for seeking medical treatment for the effects of drug or alcohol use, and this amnesty will be granted to both the intoxicated student and the student seeking help for an intoxicated student.
• Walking escorts are also always able to assist you and escort you anywhere within Temple’s patrol zone. They can be requested by calling 8-9255 from a campus phone or 215-777-9255 from a cell phone.

Anyone in need of support can find it through Tuttleman Counseling Services, located at 1700 N. Broad Street. To connect directly to staff members there, call 215-204-7276 or go online here.