Fraternal Law founder, Tim Burke, spoke to Local 6 news on why he believes UCF’s decision to halt Greek Life activities are unconstitutional an issue of civil rights. See the statement acquired by Local 6 below:
“This is the second instance this academic year that I am aware of where a state university shut down all (or most ) activities by men’s and women’s fraternities and sororities because of the bad action of some. The University of California Chico took action earlier to shut down its Greek system for an undetermined period of time to attempt a similar cultural change as UCF is seeking.
“In both cases I believe the actions of the schools to be unfair and unconstitutional. National fraternities and sororities take the issue of hazing and alcohol abuse very seriously. Most, but unfortunately not all members and local chapters, do too. When National groups identify bad actors within their members or chapters which do not live up to the fraternities creed, they deal with those wrongdoers following the disciplinary procedures in their governing documents.
“For a state university to impose discipline, to deny the freedom of association rights to all Greek groups, without following either the University’s own disciplinary procedures or any due process is a violation of the constitutional and civil rights of the groups involved. That is particularly true of the groups which have not engaged in wrongdoing and conform to both university rules, civil law and the standards and policies of their national organizations.
“I don’t know all of the details of what prompted this action at UCF or what UCF is doing, but the university’s actions may well be subject to challenge under the federal Civil Rights law 42 USC 1983 and if such a challenge was won by a Greek group or one of its members, the University would be obligated to pay the plaintiffs attorney fees and costs.”
Timothy M. Burke
Attorney at Law
Manley Burke, LPA
What’s your opinion: Do you think UCF is breaking the law?
