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The suspension placed on the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at the University of Central Florida earlier this summer has been lifted. The suspension was handed down after two brothers, Alexander Garces and Antonio Candido were accused of raping someone at one of the fraternity’s parties.
The university’s Office of Student Conduct held a hearing Wednesday, August 23, to discuss the allegations that the fraternity violated school policies regarding disruptive conduct, providing false or misleading information, and alcohol-related misconduct.
According to Click Orlando, officials decided to lift the suspension and put other restricting conditions in place.
via Click Orlando:
The chapter is not allowed to plan or host any social events during the fall semester, the student conduct officials said. All members, including those who earned a bid but have not been initiated, must complete health and safety workshops by Sept. 13 through the university’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. The fraternity is also banned from hosting any registered events in the ATO house, according to the document.
Chapter members will meet with an Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff member biweekly to ensure the conditions are being met, officials said. UCF police’s public information officer, Courtney Gilmartin, said the Office of Student Conduct is still carrying out the organizational conduct process outlined in the university’s Golden Rule Student Handbook.
The fraternity was placed on temporary suspension Aug. 9, after a current and former chapter member were accused of raping someone at a New Years in July party the organization hosted at the chapter’s on-campus house on July 22.
The suspension came after Alexander Garces, a 22-year-old student at the University of Central Florida student, and Antonio Candido, were charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment after they allegedly attacked a guest at the Alpha Tau Omega ‘New Years in July’ party.
At the time, Alpha Tau Omega released the following statement:
“Officials with the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity learned of the police investigation on Saturday, and the chapter immediately suspended the man. ATO is conducting an internal investigation and will assist local authorities and university officials as requested. The alleged assault reportedly occurred during a July 22nd party at the chapter house. The party was approved by UCF and held in accordance to strict university guidelines.”
Both Garces and Candido are still facing criminal charges.
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