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Thursday, March 28, 2024
NEWS  |  CAMPUS

UF chapter of Zeta Beta Tau to close

The UF chapter of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity will close following reported misconduct toward a group of disabled veterans in Panama City Beach, UF 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 in a released statement. “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."

A joint decision was made between UF and the national chapter of Zeta Beta Tau regarding the chapter's closing, UF spokesperson Janine Sikes wrote in an email.

Sikes added the closure is indefinite, and the ZBT chapter must request reinstatement should it be re-opened.

The closing in the wake of members from UF’s ZBT chapter reportedly insulting veterans in Panama City Beach two weekends ago.

Members of ZBT chapters from both UF and Emory University in Georgia were celebrating a spring formal in Panama City Beach at Laketown Wharf Resort.

A group of military veterans were also at the resort as part of a week-long event hosted by the Warrior Beach Retreat.

The fraternity members reportedly spat on the veterans and stole their American flags.

The chapter was placed on interim suspension on Friday.

UF and the fraternity are still continuing the investigation into the incident, according to the statement

"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,” Zeta Beta Tau fraternity international president Matthew J. Rubins said in the statement. “ZBT will work diligently to demonstrate that the alleged behavior of a few does not represent the values of the many."

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