Colleges

USF's student leader resigns

He is accused of inviting two to his office for alcohol.

By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER, Times Staff Writer
Published September 8, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Special to the Times] Barclay Harless, the University of South Florida's student body president announced his resignation Friday. He is one of several students being investigated in an alleged on-campus drinking incident.

TAMPA - The University of South Florida's student body president, one of several students being investigated in an alleged on-campus drinking incident, announced his resignation Friday.

Barclay Harless' decision comes just a few days after he apologized to fellow student government leaders for the negative attention brought on by the June 14 incident and resulting fallout.

Harless, 22, said he believes he is still "more than capable of handling the job."

"But if the perception is that student government will be hurt by my staying, I am willing to step down," he said.

USF dean of students Kevin Banks confirmed earlier this week that administrators are investigating six students who they believe violated USF's alcohol policy, which prohibits alcohol in public campus buildings. Banks would not confirm the identities of those under investigation, citing privacy laws.

But Harless said he is part of the inquiry. Harless told the Times that two brothers from his fraternity, Beta Theta Phi, came to his office in the Marshall Center that evening as a freshman orientation event wrapped up.

Harless wouldn't identify his friends, but he admitted the three had agreed earlier to drink in Harless' office. Harless maintains that he never actually took a drink.

Possible sanctions range from a warning to a suspension, Banks said. A probation or suspension against Harless could have lead to his impeachment, under the student constitution.

Garin Flowers, the vice president, takes over the top post and will appoint a new vice president.

Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler can be reached at svansickler@sptimes.com or 813 226- 3403.

[Last modified September 8, 2007, 00:22:40]