HOUSTON – A University of Houston freshman, with autism, is calling for a deeper investigation after claiming he was physically assaulted and spit on by members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity during one of the university’s biggest annual events.
Christian Brooks says he attended Frontier Fiesta, a long-standing UH tradition that features carnival booths, student performances, a concert, and a barbecue cook-off. According to Brooks, he received an email invite to the event, which stated that student admission was free.
But when he tried to enter the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) tent inside the cook-off portion of the event, he says fraternity members told him he had to pay $85 to get in. Brooks says he pointed out that the flyer stated the event was free, then walked away to avoid conflict.
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When he returned later in an attempt to clarify things, he alleges that members inside the tent spit on him.
Now, Christian and his mother, Nikki Brooks, are urging the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) to investigate the incident more thoroughly.
“He did a five-page written police report, spent half of Saturday night in the police station. So, we’re trying to get an update,” said Nikki Brooks.
Despite being told there is video footage of the incident, the family says they have yet to see it.
“I have requested the video in writing,” said Nikki. “As of now, I’ve not heard anything.”
Christian believes he was treated this way due to his autism, and feels the students involved should be held accountable.
“In my opinion, they do not deserve to get any type of internship or job that puts them in a place of stewardship over people, because they failed with me,” he said. “They assaulted me and committed a crime against me.”
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that charges related to the incident were submitted but declined, citing they needed more evidence. The Brooks family continues to seek access to the video footage and further clarity from university officials.
The Tau Kappa Epsilon national office says it does not condone the type of behavior alleged and is ensuring all members are cooperating with the investigation.
