
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 24, 1993                   TAG: 9306240314
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

ALLEGATIONS CONFIRMED AGAINST JEFFERSON SOCIETY

A University of Virginia investigation has found that the prestigious Jefferson Literary and Debating Society routinely exploited women recruits, forced some to have sex and regularly served alcohol to minors.

A task force composed of students, professors and administrators found that the 168-year-old society had a "tradition" of pressuring female probationary members into dates and sex.

"In its worst forms it has meant `getting female probationaries drunk' and/or forcing sex with them," the report said.

The task force was appointed after seven male and female society members sent a letter to University President John Casteen in April outlining a series of complaints about sexism and the routine violation of state liquor laws. The letter also said the society each semester gave a package of condoms to the member who "scored" the most with female recruits, or probationary members.

The task force concluded that the award was no longer given out.

As punishment, university officials ordered the society to stop meeting in Jefferson Hall until the group has made "progress" addressing the complaints against it.

In addition, the organization must appoint an ombudsman to take complaints from probationary members. The organization also must abide by university regulations banning the serving of alcohol on campus.

by CNB