With Kansas University’s investigation taking longer than expected, a fraternity accused of sexual assault is no longer agreeable to remaining suspended indefinitely.

Kappa Sigma representatives plan to appear at a hearing on Nov. 24 where they’ll try to persuade KU the fraternity does not pose a danger to campus and should have its interim suspension lifted while KU completes its investigation.

“There is no threat,” said Chuck Schimmel, an attorney representing Kappa Sigma. “We respect that the university has an obligation to investigate but deny that there is any continuing threat.”

Kappa Sigma has been on interim suspension since Sept. 30, after KU became aware of “multiple instances of sexual misconduct” alleged at the chapter house on or about Sept. 27, according to KU’s latest letter to the fraternity dated Nov. 17.

KU’s typical 60-day investigation window would have closed by Dec. 1, but the university has said it needs more time because the investigation is complex. KU says Kappa Sigma should stay suspended in the meantime.

“The information obtained in the investigation thus far demonstrates that Kappa Sigma’s continued presence on campus presents a danger or threat of danger to the university community,” Joshua Jones, Student Conduct and Community Standards Coordinator, said in the letter. “The university has serious concerns about the environment of the Kappa Sigma chapter house.”

Schimmel said Kappa Sigma has cooperated with KU officials on the university’s investigation and with the Lawrence Police Department on the criminal investigation, which also is ongoing.

KU and police have refused to release details about what allegedly happened at the fraternity house, except that a sexual assault report made to Lawrence police indicated a victim may have been impaired.

Even Kappa Sigma is unclear about exactly what it is accused of, Schimmel said. He said KU and police would share only very general descriptions.

“Thus far no member has been accused,” Schimmel said. “If we were aware of a member that did sexually assault anyone, that member would be removed immediately from the fraternity. But we’ve not been made aware of anyone that’s been accused, let alone confirmed.”

Schimmel said Kappa Sigma’s own housing corporation has imposed several rules on the chapter since the accusations surfaced, including banning alcohol and any guests that appear to be intoxicated from the house.

Kappa Sigma will continue to cooperate with all investigations and hopes to reach a resolution as soon as possible, Schimmel said.

In the meantime, having operations suspended at length puts the house in a difficult position.

“The members and the parents are concerned,” he said. “Nobody knows what, if anything, happened — and if something happened, who did it — and an entire fraternity is being harassed.”