The University of Florida has suspended the?Zeta Beta Tau fraternity from the campus after allegations arose that some of its members had insulted and spat at a group of wounded military veterans at a resort on Panama City Beach.
The university said on Friday that it has formally charged the fraternity with?obscene behavior, public intoxication, theft, causing physical or other harm, and damage to property.
The incident occurred while the fraternity and veterans with the Warrior Beach Retreat were at the Laketown Wharf Resort last weekend.?Linda Cope, founder of the veteran’s group, said frat members were urinating on American flags and were also verbally abusive, adding:
“They were urinating off of balconies, vomiting off of balconies. They could see the men and women below were there with the retreat. They had on hats and shirts with logos.”
Laurence Bolotin, the fraternity’s executive director, apologized for the actions of some of the frat members:
“I am deeply saddened that the actions of our members ruined this special event and failed to show the respect our military and their families so deserve.”
Zeta Beta Tau is already on probation at the University of Florida for a hazing incident which occurred on campus during fall semester. This latest infraction could lead to a significant suspension time, according to?Janine Sikes, a university spokeswoman:
“A suspension does have a time limit. It can range from one semester to years depending on the circumstances.”
The fraternity has?expelled three members, and says that it has hired an independent investigator, according to Bolotin:
“We have reached out to start a dialogue with the Warrior Beach Retreat and to offer whatever assistance we can to rectify this awful situation.”
Ms. Cope says the veteran’s group is pleased with the disciplinary actions of the school and the frat so far:
“They are a fraternity of fine young men. But they had too much to drink, and they took it out on young men and women who sacrificed life and limb for their freedom.”
Zeta Tau Beta was founded in New York City in 1898 as a fraternity for Jewish students. At the time it was founded, members of the Jewish faith weren’t allowed to join fraternities.
