A Washburn University student entered the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority house without permission the night of March 3 and was escorted off the premises.

Washburn University Police Department identified the student and determined that the student was not armed and there was no threat and issued the student a citation for criminal trespassing. 

At the same time, there was an unrelated incident in which WUPD identified a Delta Gamma member’s boyfriend knocking at the back door of the Delta Gamma sorority house. This unrelated incident caused panic that the intruder at the Zeta Tau Alpha house was attempting to enter the Delta Gamma house.

WUPD determined the incidents did not pose an imminent danger to either the sororities or members of the Washburn community. The Topeka Police Department also assisted with the call on Washburn’s campus.

According to Eric Grospitch, vice-president of Student Life, if there was an immediate threat to student safety, an iAlert would have been sent out to all students, faculty and staff on the dangers.

While inappropriate comments were made by the trespasser, WUPD determined that those in Zeta Tau Alpha were not in any threat and no students were harmed due to the disturbance.

University police respond to incidents as fast as they can, and Grospitch requests that students reach out to WUPD at any time if they feel unsafe. Students can reach out either via text or call 785-670-1300.

“Remember to lock your doors, shut your doors and if you feel unsafe for any reason, call university police,” Grospitch said.

When asked to comment, WUPD directed Student Media to Grospitch, who provided all of the information in this article.

However, there are contradictory statements circling online communities and Washburn’s campus. Students involved have declined to comment on the incident.

If you have information on this matter, Student Media is always willing to feature student voices.

*Additional information added as of March 6, 2025.*

Edited by Jeremy Ford and Jayme Thompson