Temple University Charges Student and Alumna in Off-Campus Jewish Fraternity Burglary Case
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Temple University officials announced felony charges have been approved against a student and an alumna in connection with a burglary attempt at an off-campus Jewish fraternity house.
The incidents, which occurred on May 24 and July 27, have prompted the university to seek arrest warrants for the suspects, though they have not yet been apprehended.
On July 27, police responded to reports of individuals on the rooftop of the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity house on North 17th Street at around 4:40 a.m. Temple's Vice President for Public Safety Jennifer Griffin, reported that video footage showed the suspects banging on the sunroof of the building, with one individual appearing to urinate into the sunroof, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In early May, the fraternity house was vandalized with "Free Palestine" graffiti and had an Israeli flag removed. The May 24 incident involved similar rooftop activity.
The university's handling of the situation has garnered increased scrutiny, including a federal investigation into how Temple manages antisemitism complaints on campus. This investigation follows a series of nationwide inquiries into college responses to similar issues.
"We will continue to make one thing abundantly clear: Temple University does not tolerate antisemitic or other hate crimes, including vandalism and damage to property," Temple President Richard Englert and Senior Vice President and Provost Gregory Mandel said in a statement. "Temple unequivocally condemns antisemitism and other acts of hatred, incitement to violence, threats, harassment and discrimination against any person."
The vandalism comes as Israel's 10-month conflict with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza continues. Pro-Palestine protests and encampments have emerged on college and university campuses across the country.
The Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, which was suspended in 2018 following sexual assault and drug use, is no longer recognized by Temple University.
Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact Temple police at 215-204-1234.
