|
Fraternity under investigation in light of alleged rape
By: Robby Trail
Issue date: 11/10/05 Section: News
The UTC chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha could face suspension from university activities for its possible role in the events that led to the alleged rape of a UTC student, Chancellor Roger Brown said.
The alleged victim said she attended a party at the Lambda Chi house on Oct. 21, the night the alleged rape occurred, according to the police report. The police report also stated the alleged victim, who is underage, said she consumed so much alcohol at the party she could not walk up the stairs on her own.
Jim Hicks, associate dean of student life, said the investigation into the fraternity's actions is ongoing.
"Right now, we are in the process of talking to some people to see what, if anything, happened, and if there were any violations," he said.
Hicks said the fraternity must abide by state laws, meaning they cannot provide alcohol to minors or allow minors to drink at their parties.
"Individuals must bring their own [alcohol] for personal consumption and must be of age," he said.
Phone calls on Tuesday and Wednesday to chapter president Scott Wells and to the fraternity's national headquarters were not returned.
According to the fraternity constitution, alcoholic beverages can be consumed on chapter functions as long as the consumption does not violate state laws or university regulations.
"The Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity bases its position upon recognition that clear evidence exists that the misuse of alcoholic beverages can erode the foundation of fraternalism … " the fraternity constitution states.
Hicks said the chapter was already on university probation and were not supposed to have functions or parties. He said university officials are investigating to see if the event on Oct. 21 meets the definition of a party.
Hicks did not know if alcohol violations played a part in the chapter's probation.
"It was a variety of little things," he said. "There were some noise violations and things like that."
Hicks said he expects the university's investigation of the fraternity to last another week or two.
He said the penalty for fraternity violations of university regulations range from probation to removal of recognition as a university group.
Hicks said he wants to wait until the investigation is complete to say whether the alleged actions by the fraternity could result in removal of recognition as a group by the university.
|
Threaded Mode