GW Tekes charged with "Neglect of Vulnerable Adults"

[hoosier]

Fraternities fight sanctions

SJS invokes D.C. criminal law against Tau Kappa Epsilon
by Brandon Butler
Campus News Editor
Published: 8/25/2005

Tau Kappa Epsilon leaders are appealing a Student Judicial Services sanction leveled after a member of the fraternity sustained injuries three months ago in an apparent fall from their townhouse.
Of GW's 12 fraternities, three including Tau Kappa Epsilon have been sanctioned by SJS and put on social probation since May. Being on social probation prevents Greek-letter groups from hosting registered parties.
In June, SJS charged Tau Kappa Epsilon with abuse under the Neglect of Vulnerable Adults Act, a D.C. criminal law. Tau Kappa Epsilon President Jordan Schwartz believes the sanction is too harsh, and the fraternity is appealing the University's decision.
"The organization feels that it was treated unfairly by SJS," Schwartz said. "There appears to be no basis for applying the law to this situation."
Tau Kappa Epsilon's appeal letter to the University sheds light on what may have happened to sophomore Ben Golden, the victim of the apparent fall. According to the document, Golden and another GW student were drinking on the evening of May 9. Golden and fell asleep on the roof of the fraternity's 621 22nd St. residence, a three-story structure across from the Smith Center.
After watching Golden for several hours, his friends then left him on the roof, periodically checking on the Tau Kappa Epsilon member throughout the evening, according to the letter. Shortly after midnight on May 10, a passerby found Golden beside the townhouse on the ground.
The gathering was not a University event and Golden supplied his own alcohol, the letter stated. Schwartz said Golden, who spent a week in the hospital and suffered several broken bones, has taken responsibility for his actions.
Tara Woolfson, director of SJS, would not comment specifically on the Tau Kappa Epsilon situation but said that the University uses the Student Code of Conduct to determine the severity of a sanction. The code allows students to be charged under D.C. law, in accordance with University policy.