State briefs

Florida State fraternity suspended for 4 years

By Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 6, 2000

TALLAHASSEE -- A Florida State University fraternity has been suspended for at least four years for breaking several school and fraternity rules, including hazing and underage drinking.

School officials kicked Sigma Alpha Epsilon off campus after a four-month investigation found the fraternity broke seven university rules of conduct and 11 other rules set by FSU's interfraternity constitution. Sigma Alpha Epsilon's national office had already suspended chapter members for four years on Wednesday.

A hazing complaint filed by a Tallahassee Community College student sparked the investigation. The student was pledging, which violated an FSU rule that requires all pledges attend the school. Investigators also determined that members were forcing underage pledges to drink alcoholic beverages until they vomited. Six fraternities and sororities have been suspended from FSU since 1993, a school official said. No criminal charges have been filed against fraternity members, but FSU officials said Friday that could still happen.

Ex-USF professor settles gender discrimination suit

Kristin Shrader-Frechette, a former distinguished research professor in the philosophy department, agreed to a $5,000 settlement -- less than a fifth of what her five colleagues received.

She was the lead plaintiff in a 1998 federal suit contending sexual bias in pay and promotions at the university. The suit sought $50-million for 150 tenured women faculty but was settled before achieving class-action status.

Five plaintiffs reached agreement with USF in 1998, splitting $144,000. USF also committed $750,000 to improve salary equity.

Shrader-Frechette said two key witnesses were no longer available to her and she felt she had no alternative but to settle without going to trial.

She left the university several months after the suit was filed and is now a professor of philosophy and biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame.

Shrader-Frechette's attorney, Steven Wenzel of Tampa, said Friday the agreement was signed with the USF earlier in the week.

Real estate agent crushed by gate outside condos

Arson suspected in Saturday morning fire

ST. PETERSBURG -- Arson is suspected in a fire that caused extensive damage to an unoccupied home early Saturday, fire marshals said. Firefighters were sent to 1135 15th Ave. S at 5:07 a.m., where they saw heavy fire coming from the front of the home, said St. Petersburg Assistant Fire Marshal Chris Bengivengo. The blaze was put out about 6:30 a.m. No injuries were reported. Bengivengo said damage was estimated at $30,000.

Contractor, supervisors face dumping charges

PENSACOLA -- A contractor and three supervisors are facing criminal charges of violating the federal Clean Water Act during construction of a Florida Panhandle toll bridge. U.S. Attorney Michael Patterson announced the charges Friday against Ocebrecht-Metric, a joint venture contractor, and the supervisors. They are charged with dumping concrete, iron rebar and cement pilings into Pensacola Bay while building the 3.5-mile Garcon Point Bridge that opened in 1997.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of a year in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for each day there is a violation.

The $53-million Santa Rosa County bridge connects Milton and Interstate 10 on the north with Gulf Breeze.

The federal charges allege 3.7 acres of the bay bottom is covered with bridge debris that should have been dumped in landfills.

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