Woman Sues MIT, Frat Over Alleged Rape

A 19-year-old woman is suing MIT, claiming the Institute was responsible for an MIT fraternity party where she says alcohol was served to minors and she was raped.

Angela Colt filed the civil suit three weeks ago against MIT, the Delta Upsilon (DU) fraternity and her alleged assailant, 1997 MIT graduate Matthew Keller.

Colt's lawyer, Jeffrey S. Beeler, said his client filed civil charges in part receive compensation for mental health problems she has suffered following the alleged incident and also because "she wants to make sure this type of thing doesn't happen again."

Colt, who has the right to withhold her name, is suing under her own name because, "While she was a victim in this she is not powerless," Beeler said.

Colt had previously dropped criminal charges relating to the case. It was subsequently continued without a finding on February 6, 1997, meaning no charges relating to the incident would appear on Keller's record if he stayed out of trouble.

In her civil suit, Colt says she attended a party at the DU house in Kenmore Square on August 2, 1996. At the time she was 17 years old.

The suit alleges no one was checking IDs and alcohol was being served "indiscriminately" to minors including Colt. Colt says she could not resist Keller's assault because she was drunk.

Beeler said MIT was responsible for its fraternities under state law because it has the power to control them.

According to Beeler, recent MIT reforms to reduce fraternity-related alcohol abuse show the Institute could control its fraternities.

MIT spokesperson Kenneth D. Campbell refused to comment on the case but said MIT had been working hard to reduce alcohol-related problems and does set policies for fraternities.

Campbell added, however, that the Institute does not own the fraternities.

"We do not have the same control over them that we have over dormitories," Campbell said.

Beeler said MIT had rejected an initial settlement offer and he now plans to bring his client's case to trial.