UCLA Sororities Hire Private Night Security After Homeless Harassment

Sororities at the University of California, Los Angeles, have hired private nighttime security after ongoing harassment from homeless people left some students feeling unsafe, according to a report.

The UCLA Panhellenic Association, the school's largest women's association, brought in private security officers to guard sorority row, which covers several blocks on Hilgard Avenue on the urban Los Angeles campus, the California Post reported.

Young women have reported aggressive behavior from homeless people who repeatedly approach them with lewd comments. They have criticized campus police for failing to respond to their concerns.

"We had a meeting with UCPD a few weeks ago and it didn’t go well," 20-year-old student Ani Hovanesian told The Post. "They seemed unaware of the issue and not really proactive. They kept turning it back on us like ‘why aren’t you calling 911 or reporting any of this’ and it’s like ummm, we are and that’s why we’re here."

Police reported a repeat offender who broke into a sorority house to steal underwear and spy on women in the shower.

Another student, 20-year-old Catherine Nichley, said she does not feel completely safe. "The weird part is that it’s usually the same three homeless men hanging around this row, typically between 40 and 60 years old, often sitting at the bus stop," she told The Post.

She described one man known as "The Hilgard Screamer," who yells at all hours of the day and night. "These men stare into your soul," Nichley said. "They make lewd comments, and I’ve actually yelled back, ‘What are you looking at?’ because it feels so creepy."

Another sorority member said she rarely sees campus police in the area and feels safer walking near fraternity houses, where police presence is greater. She noted that homeless people sometimes sleep on sorority house lawns.

The University of California Police Department said it conducts regular patrols in the area. "UCPD takes seriously the concerns students have raised about harassment and unsettling behavior near Hilgard Avenue," the department told Fox News Digital. "Students should feel safe where they live, study and walk near campus, and we are listening closely."

"UCPD conducts regular and directed patrols in the area, including increased evening presence, and continues to work with campus partners, student leaders and chapter stakeholders to address concerns and connect students with support," the department added.