GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 24 (UPI) -- Fraternity members from the University of Florida and Emory University have been accused of harassing a group of wounded military veterans.
Investigations have been launched at both universities into members of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. While gathering in Panama City, Fla., the students allegedly spit on a veteran and his dog, stealing their American flags and taunting them.
The veterans were there for the Warrior Beach Retreat, an all-expenses paid vacation for wounded veterans and their caregivers.
"They actually spit on me and my service dog as well, and that's just so disrespectful and it hurts," veteran Nicholas Connole told WJHG.
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Linda Cope, founder of the Warrior Beach Retreat, called it a "disgrace to our military."
Zeta Beta Tau International confirmed they have expelled three UF students from the fraternity in a statement about the investigation.
"On behalf of our entire organization, I want to apologize to veterans, both those who were in Panama City Beach, and those who have felt the pain from afar, as well as to their families and all who support the Warrior Beach Retreat and had worked to make it a positive and meaningful occasion for attendees. I am deeply saddened that the actions of our members ruined this special event and failed to show the respect our military and their families so deserve," Executive Director Laurence Bolotin wrote.
Cope said she received an apology letter from the UF chapter president but has not yet heard anything from Emory. Emory released a public statement saying, "The disrespectful behavior exhibited by students toward our veterans is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by members of the Emory community."
