University of Iowa’s FIJI fraternity brothers, affiliates settle sexual assault lawsuit

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

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

“Though conversation surrounding her case has been very public at times, Solberg is unable to discuss the specifics of each (settlement)” the law firm stated. “However, the 23-year-old Tippie College of Business Finance graduate says she is glad that she chose 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. Ever. Every student should be able go out, socialize at college, and feel safe.”

Solberg’s lawyer, Eashaan Vajpeyi, commended Solberg for her “resilience through the difficult process.”

“Since September of 2020, Ms. Solberg has sought justice and accountability,” Vajpeyi said in a statement. “By pursuing her civil case until the end, reaching resolution with all parties she has met that goal. She hopes that her efforts and example will allow others to see that justice and accountability is possible and that they need not be silent when their rights are violated.”

Notice of settlement with Steffen was filed Thursday with the court, 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 national Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation, according to the law firm’s news release. She also reached a resolution through mediation with Mu Deuteron Alumni Association of Phi Gamma Delta and Mu Deuteron Chapter House Corp. in August.

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

According to her lawsuit, Solberg said she was drugged, isolated in a room and assaulted Sept. 5, 2020, by Steffen and Meloan, who recorded it and disseminated photos and video among FIJI brothers in an online chat.

Although Solberg reported the incident to Iowa City police, authorities initially didn’t seek charges. She went public about the incident on social media in fall 2021.

It was that publicity — and, with it, online petitions and Facebook posts — that incited a large and violent protest in September 2021, damaging the FIJI house and forcing 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 set for Dec. 3.

Meloan wasn’t charged.

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