An international student from Australia is taking legal action against an unaffiliated fraternity near the University of Texas at Austin, claiming he was brutally beaten at a party last year, which resulted in severe injuries and sky-high medical bills. Julian Ascione, who attended UT Austin as an exchange student, is suing the off-campus Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Rho chapter for allegedly assaulting him on March 3, 2023, in a parking area of the fraternity's house, as reported by CBS Austin.
Ascione's attorney, Clay Rawlings, claims his client has racked up more than $350,000 in medical bills and has undergone multiple surgeries with more expected in the future. The university has confirmed they are not registered or affiliated with the accused fraternity, which was previously shut down for health and safety concerns in 2017. "Through their rep, they've been unwilling to take responsibility for anything whatsoever," Rawling told CBS Austin. The student is seeking over $1 million in damages.
Rawlings highlighted the severity of the attack to KVUE, saying, "His leg was massively broken in numerous places, ligaments torn. They really hurt this young man in a profound way." Despite the brutality of the incident, the defendants have not been charged with assault. Rawlings insists on a jury trial in Texas courts, determined to achieve justice for Ascione.
Concerns over the aggressive nature of fraternity culture are being raised in light of this incident. "Fraternity culture in general, in the United States, is aggressive. They measure their masculinity by how much alcohol they can consume in the shortest amount of time," Dr. Susan Lipkins, an expert in hazing, harassment, and bullying, told KVUE. Ascione has faced a long road of recovery, and according to Rawlings, a total knee replacement may be necessary within a decade due to the extent of the injuries.
While both Sigma Alpha Epsilon's national organization and the lawyer representing the defendants have been contacted for comments, there has been no response at the time of publication. The case's progress is watched closely as the student continues to push for accountability and compensation for the hardship he endured.
