UCLA investigates Zeta Beta Tau’s weekender

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.

Related Stories:

Arraignment of three UCLA fraternity members suspected of rape
postponed

Students arrested in alleged rape case (6/6/96)

Communities react to hype, stereotypes (6/6/96)

Rape awareness rally draws 200 (6/10/96)

Talk about the allegations in forums

Related links:

Sexual Assault Information Page

"Friends" Raping Friends–Could It Happen to You?

Fraternity Gender Discrimination Bibliography