Date Rape & Sexual Assault Allegations at UCF, Beta Theta Pi fraternity sexual assault allegations

March 19, 2009 - PRLog -- Scandal hits UCF as the Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers get accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated student in Oxford, Ohio during a November 2008 fraternity initiation trip. Apparently, one of the members brought an intoxicated female student back to his room and had sex with her before she passed out.

http://www.PaulFDavis.com - worldwide speaker and author of "Sexual Assault & Date Rape Prevention"
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The young lady however told Oxford police she woke up to 15 guys in the room who were asking her to do different things, like perform oral and vaginal sex. She said she passed out again and awakened to several men getting in and out of the bed with her.

Paul F. Davis author of "Stop Lusting & Start Living" doesn't see what the attraction is for guys to sleep with a nearly passed out young lady and can understand why many question the validity of the allegation. Moreover 15 brothers butt naked gathered around one young lady doesn’t seem like a delightful experience for anyone.  

Yet this is what is being alleged as the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at UCF undergoes suspension and discipline. Undoubtedly the brothers’ infamous Ohio initiation has given their fraternity a black eye, while bruising its public image nationally. As for UCF, they are quick to mention this was not a hazing incident.

Not surprising is it for a University to be quick to disassociate itself with such alleged criminal acts perpetrated by fraternal organization’s members. To acknowledge that these criminal acts occurred during fraternal initiations would mean UCF could be found guilty of permitting hazing and thereby find themselves negligent and required to financially compensate the victim for damages and restitution. Such a bad reputation and legal battle for restitution is not the kind of publicity any University wants.

It should be noted Greek organizations, both fraternities and sororities, account for much of the community service work done by UCF. Greek life by no means should be presumptuously labeled bad because of this alleged incident. By law in the United States of America the accused are still innocent until proven guilty. However in the event the victim is not desirous of pursuing the case, the alleged perpetrators still should be warned and disciplined by their fraternity and University (in this case my alma mater UCF) if when interviewed privately it is revealed they acted inappropriately.

Much of this should be done behind closed doors within the confines of the local and national fraternity leadership, as well as face to face with the University's administration. A student court hearing is scheduled and certainly a step in the right direction, but doesn’t carry enough weight considering the severity of the matter. A skillful interrogation of each fraternity member accused should bring the facts to light and eliminate much unnecessary and unfruitful speculation.

UCF and Beta Theta Pi directors should invite the victimized young lady to cooperate in an internal investigation, admit any contributory negligence on her part, and be as specific as possible in regard to the details as to the inappropriate male advances by the various fraternity brothers.

Meanwhile UCF has put its Beta Theta Pi fraternity on interim suspension after receiving reports from police in Ohio investigating alleged alcohol related misconduct, sexual battery and falsification of information by some members. Such suspension will prevent the fraternity from participating in social and school-related activities.

The allegations originated from a visit by about 70 fraternity brothers to Beta Theta Pi’s national headquarters in Ohio in November. The UCF chapter is said to have about 120 active members.

As a woman such a painful experience is both devastating and embarrassing. Nevertheless for the sake of other young ladies who could be protected in the future, the alleged victim should go public with her accusations, participate in a thorough investigation, and prosecute to the full extent of the law. Such bravery on her part would send a message to men, young and old, that women are not sex toys to be exploited for their personal gratification.

Curiously the Beta Theta Pi handbook published in 1883 titled “Fraternity Studies” mentions in Chapter XVI that when developing a social brotherhood “neither ‘sticks’ nor ‘grinds’ were acceptable.” To break it down in modern vernacular, a “grind” is one who works or studies excessively and a “stick” is a dull and spiritless person. Yet given the sad course of events and sexual assault accusations, Beta Theta Pi might want to reevaluate exactly what spirit they are of and take a more active role in shaping the character of the brothers within their fraternity.

Furthermore and rather prophetically written, the fraternity’s handbook reads: “Its members are united in an association during the formative period of their lives – when they are entering upon a new world, the college kingdom – enticing with unknown pleasures and beset with unthought-of dangers.”

Concerning the “Beta girls” their alliance historically has been “assiduously cultivated” according to page 325 of the fraternity handbook. Another interesting piece of the fraternity’s history is that Christian heritage was a strong factor in drawing the young men together.

Certainly the fraternity brothers’ unremitting and incessant pursuit of female companionship coupled with allegations of foul play has proven (at the very least at this time until further evidence be revealed) to be a sufficient danger by which they have been beset. Perhaps given the fraternity’s present troubles, they would be best served by revisiting their Christian heritage, endeavoring to “cultivate” Christ-like character, and predetermining what spirit they are of and by which they shall direct their brotherhood into the future.        

www.PaulFDavis.com - worldwide speaker and author of "Sexual Assault & Date Rape Prevention"

Paul F. Davis is a worldwide speaker who has touched over 50 countries & 6 continents building bridges cross-culturally and empowering people throughout the earth to live their dreams!

Paul, a Cum Laude graduate from UCF, is the author of 15 life-changing books. Paul has appeared on numerous internationally broadcast radio shows from Oprah & Friends to Fox News Radio to talk about conflict resolution, peacemaking, foreign policy, and diplomacy. By reason of his global travels, Paul is a highly sought after diversity and cultural awareness speaker.

Paul is a master in communications having been trained in conflict resolution & mediation (Hofstra Law School); negotiations (Harvard Business School and University of Washington); and advanced interrogations (Reid & Associates founders of the polygraph) .

Playboy Radio Afternoon Advice host Tiffany Granath calls Paul an awesome relational coach and recommends his books on love, dating, and sexuality.

Paul empowers people to love passionately and live fearlessly.

http://www.PaulFDavis.com

Date rape & sexual assault allegations at UCF. Beta Theta Pi fraternity sexual assault allegations during Ohio initation. UCF denies hazing & suspends fraternity, while Ohio police investigate UCF fraternity for sexual assault & date rape allegation.

http://www.PaulFDavis.com - worldwide speaker and author of "Sexual Assault & Date Rape Prevention"
RevivingNations@yahoo.com
407-967-7553

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Paul F. Davis challenges presumptions, transcends limitations, and provides conflict resolution. Paul empowers individuals and transforms organizations to live their dreams!

RevivingNations@yahoo.com
http://www.PaulFDavis.com