University of Virginia Library

Judiciary Committee Convicts
Varner Of Abusive Conduct

By BARBARA BROWNELL

The Judiciary Committee
issued a warning to fraternity
members that their behavior
toward women must improve,
following the Thursday trial of
fourth-year man Mark Varner
who was accused of assaulting
first-year student Pamela
Holup on Rugby Road in
February.

Mr. Varner appeared earlier
before the Municipal Court on
assault charges, but Miss Holup
stopped proceedings, asking
that the matter be handled by
the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Varner was convicted of
disorderly conduct and
physically abusing Miss Holup,
who received stitches in her leg
after the Mad Bowl
confrontation.

The six-man team of judges
ordered that his right to
participate in privileged and
extracurricular activities be
suspended until exam time,
and that a written reprimand
be placed on his record. Mr.
Varner must work for the
escort service and consult the
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
and Rugby Road fraternity
heads about the mistreatment
of women walking on Rugby
Road at night.

Both Mr. Varner and Miss
Holup had been attending
separate fraternity parties
when the incident occurred.

"Times have changed. We
want that brought home to the
fraternities," explained law
student Marschall Smith. "The
sort of conduct that was okay
because she had a date who
would punch you on the nose
if you got out of line, is no
longer acceptable now that
many girls go out without
dates."

IFC officials declined
comment. They are planning a
full study of the judiciary's
decisions.