SAE accused of assaulting University of Arizona Jewish frat
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:40 am
SAE accused of assaulting University of Arizona Jewish fraternity
TUCSON -- Members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Arizona are facing allegations of assault and discrimination after being accused of attacking members of a Jewish fraternity.
The University of Arizona has placed SAE on an interim suspension while it investigates the allegations.
So far, there is no indication that this incident was a hate crime. However, members of Alpha Epsilon Pi say this isn't the first time they've been the victims of an attack.
"I had a skull fracture, lower back fracture, bleeding in the brain and a concussion," said Gideon Rafal, President of the University of Arizona's chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Rafal described his experience with anti-semitism on campus while speaking at his fraternity's national conference.
"It's just sad to see obviously," said Rafal.
Rafal says the confrontation began after he asked someone he didn't know to leave his fraternity house.
"At that point he starts backing off with his hand raised saluting Hitler and he runs into a house right next to our house and comes out with 20-guys," said Rafal.
A representative for Alpha Epsilon Pi says no one was ever arrested for that incident, which happened in March.
Now, the University of Arizona is investigating another possible assault against Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon is accused of "acts of discrimination and assault against members of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity."
According to a letter from the Dean of Students Office, "Reportedly on or about November 14, 2014, approximately 15 members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon forced entry into the off campus residence of UA students, yelling discriminatory comments at the UA students and physically assaulting them."
The letter to SAE adds, "Sigma Alpha Epsilon members are prohibited from having any contact with members of Alpha Epsilon Pi."
Statement from Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters:
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters has launched an investigation for its Arizona Alpha chapter at the University of Arizona following an incident over the weekend that has been brought to our attention. Chapter leadership has suspended four brothers for conduct that is inconsistent with our values and expectations for members, and we support their decision. We teach our members to serve as role models in their communities and to live up to our creed, "The True Gentleman." If members fail to do so, we will not hesitate to take corrective actions or to impose sanctions, as necessary. Any behavior that is not aligned with the conduct we expect is unacceptable, and we regret any behaviors that have deviated from what we stand for because they are inexcusable, even when they are isolated, individual actions as in this case.
All of our members are required to subscribe to our creed, mission and regulations as a condition of membership, and the headquarters provides many training and educational opportunities throughout the year at regional and national events, as well as via online components, to help them have a positive, meaningful experience. We continue to work with our Arizona Alpha chapter and its alumni advisory board to make sure that Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Arizona meets or exceeds our guidelines set forth at the national level.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon has approximately 15,000 collegiate members across the country and has initiated nearly 325,000 men since our founding. Our members represent a diverse range of backgrounds, national origins and religious beliefs. In fact, the Fraternity's national president, Bradley Cohen, is Jewish and is a graduate of the University of Arizona chapter. The organization also maintains a non-discrimination policy.
- Brandon E. Weghorst
Associate Executive Director of Communications
http://www.kvoa.com/news/sae-accused-of ... raternity/
TUCSON -- Members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Arizona are facing allegations of assault and discrimination after being accused of attacking members of a Jewish fraternity.
The University of Arizona has placed SAE on an interim suspension while it investigates the allegations.
So far, there is no indication that this incident was a hate crime. However, members of Alpha Epsilon Pi say this isn't the first time they've been the victims of an attack.
"I had a skull fracture, lower back fracture, bleeding in the brain and a concussion," said Gideon Rafal, President of the University of Arizona's chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Rafal described his experience with anti-semitism on campus while speaking at his fraternity's national conference.
"It's just sad to see obviously," said Rafal.
Rafal says the confrontation began after he asked someone he didn't know to leave his fraternity house.
"At that point he starts backing off with his hand raised saluting Hitler and he runs into a house right next to our house and comes out with 20-guys," said Rafal.
A representative for Alpha Epsilon Pi says no one was ever arrested for that incident, which happened in March.
Now, the University of Arizona is investigating another possible assault against Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon is accused of "acts of discrimination and assault against members of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity."
According to a letter from the Dean of Students Office, "Reportedly on or about November 14, 2014, approximately 15 members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon forced entry into the off campus residence of UA students, yelling discriminatory comments at the UA students and physically assaulting them."
The letter to SAE adds, "Sigma Alpha Epsilon members are prohibited from having any contact with members of Alpha Epsilon Pi."
Statement from Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters:
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters has launched an investigation for its Arizona Alpha chapter at the University of Arizona following an incident over the weekend that has been brought to our attention. Chapter leadership has suspended four brothers for conduct that is inconsistent with our values and expectations for members, and we support their decision. We teach our members to serve as role models in their communities and to live up to our creed, "The True Gentleman." If members fail to do so, we will not hesitate to take corrective actions or to impose sanctions, as necessary. Any behavior that is not aligned with the conduct we expect is unacceptable, and we regret any behaviors that have deviated from what we stand for because they are inexcusable, even when they are isolated, individual actions as in this case.
All of our members are required to subscribe to our creed, mission and regulations as a condition of membership, and the headquarters provides many training and educational opportunities throughout the year at regional and national events, as well as via online components, to help them have a positive, meaningful experience. We continue to work with our Arizona Alpha chapter and its alumni advisory board to make sure that Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Arizona meets or exceeds our guidelines set forth at the national level.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon has approximately 15,000 collegiate members across the country and has initiated nearly 325,000 men since our founding. Our members represent a diverse range of backgrounds, national origins and religious beliefs. In fact, the Fraternity's national president, Bradley Cohen, is Jewish and is a graduate of the University of Arizona chapter. The organization also maintains a non-discrimination policy.
- Brandon E. Weghorst
Associate Executive Director of Communications
http://www.kvoa.com/news/sae-accused-of ... raternity/