A fraternity at the University of Florida expelled three members on Thursday that were accused of insulting disabled military veterans.
Last week the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity members were at a resort in Panama City Beach, along with the Emory University chapter, for their spring formal at the same time more than 60 wounded veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan were participating in a retreat. The expelled members allegedly spit on the veterans and stole their flags, according to The Gainesville Sun.
"We are committed to fully addressing the events that took place, and will be hiring an independent investigator to help us gather all of the facts," said Laurence Bolotin, executive director of Zeta Beta Tau International. "Short-term, we are actively working with the resort, with the presidents of both universities and with the local police to fully understand the events that took place."
Witnesses told the newspaper that other students, presumably from Emory, participated as well, but the university has not taken action against any students yet because they are still investigating the matter.
"If any members of our community are identified as being responsible, they will be held accountable for their actions by the university," a university spokesperson said.
Linda Cope, the founder of the Warrior Beach Retreat at Laketown Wharf Resort, in which the veterans were participating, first heard about the incident because witnesses contacted her.
"They knew who they were and they were just getting a kick out of it," Cope said. "It is heartbreaking for a mom with a son who sacrificed so much for their freedom. They apologized to me in person, but only because they got caught."
The University of Florida's chapter was already on probation before the spring formal, which means the fraternity "faces increased consequences if they are found to have violated the probation requirements," UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said.
Bolotin added that Zeta Beta Tau has no tolerance for the alleged behavior.
"We also look forward to working with our members to make amends for this disgraceful situation by identifying opportunities to serve those who have done so much to serve us," Bolotin said.
