UCLA investigates Zeta Beta Tau's weekender

Published: Monday, July 1, 1996

Monday, July 1, 1996

By John Digrado

Summer Bruin Senior Staff

UCLA's Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) chapter may face the toughest challenge in the history of its brotherhood in the coming weeks as three members of the fraternity face possible indictment in Palm Springs for the alleged rape of a fellow UCLA student.

But if the three men are formally charged, they will not stand trial alone. The university and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Relations are conducting a separate investigation of the fraternity and its connection to the "Weekender" trip where the alleged rape may have occurred.

The investigation also takes into account the alleged drug and alcohol use during the weekend roadtrip. And, as Interfraternity Council and university regulations prohibit alcohol and drug use at fraternity-sponsored events, the fraternity could face serious consequences if it is found guilty of the allegations.

"The things that we've been addressing through our own investigation of the fraternity have focused on violations of their code, the contract that we have with the fraternity and their contract with the national branch," said Bob Naples, associate vice chancellor of student and campus life and a member of the investigation committee.

Each fraternity and sorority sponsored by the university must comply with the "Official Recognition" document to regain university sponsorship each year. The rules state that "Each fraternity shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws" in order to maintain its connection with the university.

In addition, the rules cite that certain "areas in which concern and awareness need to be focused in particular include the use, service and abuse of alcohol, the use and abuse of narcotics or drugs, hazing and noise control."

The alleged victim has told Palm Springs police that she and the three men charged with the crimes had been drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana prior to the alleged rape. And others in attendance claimed that there were approximately 30 to 50 kegs of beer available over the course of the weekend.

However, the rules may apply only to events conducted on-campus or at the fraternity's house, said Gary Schwartz, the UCLA ZBT's chapter lawyer.

"(ZBT) did not break any rules of the Interfraternity Council or the university," he said. "They were allowed to have parties outside of campus."

Over the course of the school year, greek organizations hold various social events both on and off campus, Schwartz continued. "Because these events did not take place on campus, (the fraternity) did not violate any rules they have with the Interfraternity Council or the university," Schwartz said.

The fraternity was unavailable for comment.

Should the investigation find ZBT connected with the event, the fraternity may face a variety of consequences, from a slap on the wrist to a full revocation of the chapter's charter.

"It's possible that ZBT's charter could be revoked in connection with the events," Naples said. "There's a whole range of sanctions between some type of probation to community service right up to the revocation of a charter. That's obviously very severe stuff, and if that decision was made, it would be in light of serious violations of the Policies and Recognition Statement," he added.

If the fraternity's charter is revoked, ZBT would all but cease to exist as a university-sponsored organization. "Upon withdrawal of official recognition, the fraternity will lose all rights and privileges pertaining to such status including, without limitation, the right to participate in any university sponsored event as a fraternity," the Recognition Document states.

However, the fraternity may not be found guilty of the allegations because the alcohol was not paid for out of fraternity funds, Schwartz contended.

"To the best of my knowledge, no ZBT funds were used for this party," Schwartz said. "Every participant who attended had to pay their separate way. (The trip) was paid for through private funds."

While the committee expects to have the investigation wrapped up in the next week, both Schwartz and the committee are waiting for the results of the arraignment hearing to decide the fate of the fraternity's charter.

PATRICK LAM/Daily Bruin

Three members of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity will possibly face trial in Palm Springs for the alleged rape of a fellow UCLA student.

UCLA investigates Zeta Beta Tau's weekender

Comments

Post a comment

Advertising Links