Plaintiffs v University of California-Berkeley Fraternities
Class Action Suit Tries Gang Strategy Against Frat Boys
The main legal theory behind a class action filed against University of California-Berkeley fraternities has its roots in cities' injunctions against criminal street gangs.
The plaintiffs are attempting to make a case against the fraternities for a host of nuisances they allege the Greeks cause, including public drunkenness, encouragement of underage drinking and harassment of people in the neighborhood.
The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court by a homeowner and the South of Campus Neighborhood Association, seeks an injunction against alleged unruly and illegal conduct by the fraternities, including frequently disturbing the peace and encouraging underage drinking. The proposed class is made up of current and past residents, renters and property owners of the South of Campus area, in addition to visitors to the neighborhood injured by the alleged nuisances, and even members of the public who have been harmed by alleged pollution of public waterways.
In addition to the injunction, the plaintiffs want penalties for alleged violations of state and local laws, plus compensatory and general damages, special damages and punitive damages, as well as attorneys' fees and costs.
James Ewbank, a Texas lawyer who represents 17 of the 37 fraternity organizations sued, said he's represented fraternities before but has never seen them sued in a class action..
For more information contact:
James Ewbank, II
Ewbank & Byrom, P.C.
1210 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78701 US
T:Work 512-476-1080
F: Fax512-476-7770
