Sanctioned Ga. Tech fraternity says no evidence in harassment claim

A Georgia Tech fraternity sanctioned Wednesday for discriminatory behavior is disputing the finding of a school investigation.

Phi Delta Theta’s sanction, termed “suspension held in abeyance,” stems from an incident in early August in which a black student said three members of the fraternity yelled racial slurs at her from windows of the fraternity house.

Local and national fraternity officials said they conducted their own investigations and released statements Wednesday saying there was no evidence of discriminatory conduct.

The fraternity says the windows in the house where the black student claimed the racial slurs were made were locked or inaccessible, video surveillance does not show the student in front of the house, and that the dean conducting the investigation predetermined the fraternity’s guilt before the investigation began.

At the time, the incident produced a large social media response from people sympathizing with the student and calling on Georgia Tech officials to discipline the fraternity. A group of students even held a silent protest outside the fraternity house.

The restrictions on the fraternity last through August 9, 2016.