Statement and letter regarding the incident in Panama City Beach: Updated
April 28, 2015
UF ZBT Chapter to Close
The University of Florida chapter of Zeta Beta Tau will close in the wake of misconduct allegations following a recent weekend event in Panama City Beach, officials from the national organization and the University of Florida announced Tuesday. The closure is effective immediately.
“I continue to be saddened and disappointed by the reported mistreatment and disrespect of our military veterans,” UF President Kent Fuchs said. “Our university has always honored, and will always honor, the service of veterans. The reported conduct of this fraternity contradicts the values of service and respect that are at the center of this university."
ZBT Fraternity International President Matthew J. Rubins joined Fuchs in expressing his dismay at the situation.
"We are absolutely disgusted by the accusations that have been made regarding the behavior of members of this chapter. ZBT has a long history of serving our country, with brothers currently serving in all ranks of the military,” Rubins said. “ZBT will work diligently to demonstrate that the alleged behavior of a few does not represent the values of the many."
Both ZBT and the University of Florida will continue their investigations into the incident in an effort to fully understand what transpired. Federal law prohibits the university from discussing individual students in this matter.
April 24, 2015
UF fraternity interim suspended during investigation of misconduct charge
The University of Florida today placed the Zeta Beta Tau chapter on interim suspension and charged the organization with a series of offenses as part of its formal investigation into allegations of disturbing illegal behavior toward veterans while at an event in Panama City last weekend.
The chapter is charged with causing physical or other harm, obscene behavior, public intoxication, theft and damage to property. An interim suspension means the organization is suspended from all activities. There will be a complete investigation by the university.
“I am personally offended and disappointed by the behavior that has been described to me,” said Student Affairs Vice President Dave Kratzer, also a retired U.S. Army major general and combat veteran. “This is not representative of our students or of the university.”
Panama City police responded to the incident and no charges were filed. UF policies establish standards of conduct for individuals and organizations, and officials are addressing the situation through appropriate channels. The fraternity is currently on probation at UF for hazing during the fall semester, and as a result faces stiffer penalties if found to be in violation.
Federal laws prohibit the university from discussing anything about the conduct process for individuals.
The University of Florida takes pride in serving the veteran community in many ways and will continue to do so, using this opportunity as a teaching moment.
The Collegiate Veterans Society, a UF student organization, has reached out to the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity to propose a restorative justice meeting, and the Collegiate Veterans Success Center on campus hosted discussions with veterans to talk through the situation. Kratzer also will contact local veterans groups, and a team from UF and ZBT will offer to attend each group’s meetings to hear concerns.
UF President Kent Fuchs, UF’s dean of students and UF’s director of sorority and fraternity affairs have reached out to apologize to Warrior Beach Retreat founder Linda Cope and the individual veterans who reported the incident. The president’s letter is included as part of this release.
The ZBT chapter and the national organization also have apologized. The national office has placed the organization on interim suspension awaiting the conclusion of a full investigation.
“In the days and weeks ahead, I assure you that the University of Florida will address this immediate situation as well as reinforce the long term commitment to community service and respect for others that have always been hallmarks of the University of Florida community,” Kratzer said.
April 24, 2015
Official statement about the Zeta Beta Tau incident:
The University of Florida is extremely concerned about reports of illegal behavior involving our students last weekend in Panama City Beach. Our policies establish standards of conduct, and we are investigating this matter.
We are deeply sorry for any hurt caused to veterans and their families. This is not representative of our students or our university.
Letter from President Fuchs to Linda Cope, founder of Warrior Beach Retreat:
