FSU frat kicked off campus for six years

Danny Mcauliffe | Tallahassee Democrat

A Florida State University fraternity has been banned from campus for six years.

The decision regarding Zeta Beta Tau, proposed by the student-led Greek Conduct Board Thursday, was approved by the FSU administration Friday. It concluded a university investigation that began last December when Associate Dean of Students Alan Acosta received an email detailing hazing allegations from a former pledge.

The fraternity has five class days to file a letter of appeal with the university.

The investigation found several instances of forced calisthenics and consumption of alcohol throughout the pledge process at ZBT, along with other violations of the university’s conduct code.

Information about the alleged incidents was forwarded to the State Attorney's Office, which found there was not probable cause to criminally charge any fraternity member with hazing. However, seven fraternity members were arrested on charges of providing alcohol to a minor.

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The Greek Conduct Board reviewed the information and called a formal hearing May 25 at which ZBT President Adam Culver and two national executives defended the fraternity. During the hearing, Culver said the members involved were removed from the fraternity, and their actions did not represent the organization as a whole.

He declined Friday to comment on the fraternity’s dismissal from campus.

If ZBT asks to return to FSU in six years, it must comply with a list of requirements. They include fashioning a revised new member education program, a risk management plan and a plan to host an anti-hazing event.

The university said in a written comment: “Florida State University does not tolerate hazing among any student(s) or student organization.”