Content Warning: This story involves references to rape and sexual harassment.
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On August 24th, 2021, Max Helm, a member of the fraternity Fiji (Phi Gamma Delta) at the University of Nebraska (UNL), sexually assaulted an underage girl on an off-campus property.
CBS News and other news outlets have reported the incident about Helm and the female victim by conducting interviews with members of the fraternity and staff of the school.
The problem is serious because this fraternity has gotten in trouble for previous misconduct and inappropriate activity. As a result, CBS News stated that the chapter had been suspended from the school’s list of fraternities.
For over a week, protesters outside the house have been chanting to shut Fiji down and “No means No.” Videos and posts on social media have circulated the internet with hashtags like #banfijiunl #f**kfuji. Other than the posts, there has been a petition going around to shut down Fiji. According to CBS, 291,700 people have signed the petition so far and 13 people have claimed to have experienced sexual harassment by Fiji.
To sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/university-of-nebraska-lincoln-ban-fiji-forever-unl
What has happened or will happen to Helm and the chapter?
Max Helm has been accused of sexual assault before but has never created such an uproar on social media. However, he has now been suspended from Fiji and has yet to be arrested.
University of Nebraska’s Phi Gamma Delta has come out with a statement acknowledging they do not condone sexual harassment. However, the chapter has had numerous claims of more assaults, and in reality, Fiji NEEDS to be stopped for good. As a college student, I am upset with how the school and this fraternity have handled this situation.
Check out more information on TikTok and Instagram to support the ones who have been assaulted.