University of Iowa FIJI fraternity brothers and sisters settle sexual assault lawsuit

IOWA CITY — Attorneys for a former University of Iowa student who sued two fraternity members over a 2020 sexual assault said Wednesday she filed her lawsuit against the two members, her fraternity — the UI chapter of Phi Gamma Delta – and its national affiliates settled.

“After four years of fighting for justice, Makéna Solberg has settled her lawsuit against every defendant – including her two alleged attackers, Carson Steffen and Jacob Meloan, the campus chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Iowa, and the national Fijian organization Phi Gamma Delta Educational .” Foundation, Inc., Mu Deuteron Alumni Association of Phi Gamma Delta and Mu Deuteron Chapter House Corp.,” the law firm Ball, Kirk and Holm said in a statement.

“Although the discussions surrounding her case were at times very public, Solberg is unable to discuss the details of each (settlement),” the law firm said. “However, the 23-year-old Tippie College of Business Finance graduate says she is glad she decided to stand up for herself in the justice system.”

“It wasn’t easy, but I had a strong support system of people who stood by me; and it was important that I kept pushing, even when it was difficult,” Solberg said in a statement. “What was done to me shouldn’t happen to anyone else. Always. Every student should be able to go out, socialize at university and feel safe.”

Solberg’s lawyer Eashaan Vajpeyi praised Solberg for her “resilience throughout the difficult trial.”

“Since September 2020, Ms. Solberg has sought justice and accountability,” Vajpeyi said in a statement. “By pursuing her civil case to its conclusion and reaching a resolution with all parties, she has achieved this goal. She hopes her efforts and example will show others that justice and accountability are possible and that they do not have to remain silent when their rights are violated.”

A settlement notice with Steffen was filed with the court on Thursday, according to a court document. In addition, Solberg reached a resolution through mediation with the UI chapter of Phi Gamma Delta — which calls itself FIJI — and the national Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation, the law firm’s news release said. In August, she also reached out through mediation with the Mu Deuteron Alumni Association of Phi Gamma Delta and the Mu Deuteron Chapter House Corp. a solution.

The law firm said it also agreed to a settlement with Meloan in September.

According to her lawsuit, Solberg said she was drugged, isolated in a room and attacked on September 5, 2020 by Steffen and Meloan, who recorded it and distributed photos and videos among FIJI brothers in an online chat.

Although Solberg reported the incident to Iowa City police, authorities did not initially file charges. In fall 2021, she made the incident public on social media.

It was this publicity – and with it online petitions and Facebook posts – that led to a large and violent protest in September 2021 that damaged the FIJI House and forced its residents to relocate.

Fifteen months after the alleged sexual assault — and weeks after the protests — Iowa City police arrested Steffen on a charge of first-degree harassment. His trial is scheduled for December 3rd.

Meloan was not charged.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; [email protected]