ORLANDO, Fla. — The Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at the University of Central Florida held its first rush event Thursday at the house were a month before two members were accused of rape.
The fraternity was suspended by the university, but had the suspension lifted Wednesday.
There were conditions, though, which included the fraternity not being allowed to host any social events during the fall and that all members would have to go through a health and safety workshop.
Despite the controversy surrounding the ATOs, freshman Chris Floid said he wanted to give the fraternity a chance.
“I still want to check it out and, you know, get a feel for it,” he said, adding that he brought up the rape allegations. “Well, they seemed concerned, obviously, but, like, they said it wouldn’t happen again.”
ATO members Antionio Candido, a UCF alumnus, and UCF senior Alexander Garces, were arrested and charged with sexual battery after a party at the fraternity house.
Some students were concerned that the university didn’t do enough to hold the fraternity accountable.
“That does not seem like enough of a suspension to me,” student Robert Trapp said.
In a statement, a spokesman for the ATO national office said that all chapter undergraduate social events will be held at “appropriate and authorized” off-site establishments.
In light of the restrictions, the fraternity will “focus its efforts on philanthropic activities and community service projects,” the statement said.
"Alpha Tau Omega fraternity is grateful for the University Conduct Office decision to lift its interim suspension. ATO is committed to working with UCF officials regarding compliance with university guidelines relating to chapter operations. In addition, the chapter will continue to work with local authorities in connection with the investigation that resulted in charges against two men.
There are a number of facts regarding the July event that reinforce the proactive steps taken by the chapter prior to the July event. Those include the hiring of several security and off-duty UCF police officers to monitor the event and check IDs, as well as use of a third-party vendor that was in charge of alcohol service. In addition, the chapter has taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to the UCF community. The fraternity will no longer host registered social events at the chapter house. All chapter undergraduate social events will be held off-site at appropriate and authorized establishments. Also, the chapter has chosen to self-sanction and forgo all social events for the fall semester, which will allow the chapter to focus its efforts on philanthropic activities and community service projects."
Cox Media Group
