Yes, these are my hopes as well.

Man, this whole incident just scares me though!

On that, we agree.

Where is the issue here?
 

To the Group -

I'm just curious about something. I have heard the issue of Blackface debated every way from Sunday on this board and others. I see posts asking "But what if we only did brownface?" and "But what if the people who did it didn't mean anything by it" and so forth.

Why can't people simply accept the answer ...

"Blackface has horrible historical connotations for Black People and we find it highly offensive. Please don't do it."

Is that so difficult to understand or accept?

IotaNet, I absolutely agree. But from an administrator's standpoint, punishment of the group may vary depending on whether they were simply ignoramuses or out to cause offense. I think that's what people are mostly asking - if they do something offensive because they are dumb are sheltered, should they be punished in the same way as people who do something because they are trying to express racism? There's no question, thought, that SOME sort of action should be taken.

I'm not talking about punishment ...
 

I'm not really in the "punishment" debate. My comments are focused specifically on the action.

The latest update
 

For Immediate Release:
For additional information, contact Todd Shelton, Director of Communications, (540) 463-1865 ext 14, (540) 319-1740 (cell)

KA National Office lifts suspension of UVA chapter

(Lexington, VA.-November 20, 2002) - Officials at the Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office announced today they have completed an investigation into a Halloween party at the University of Virginia at which three guests were photographed wearing blackface.

After meeting with members of the chapter and university officials, Kappa Alpha Order concluded that the event did not occur on Kappa Alpha property and no members were involved.

"Kappa Alpha Order has zero-tolerance for this type of behavior," said Larry Wiese, executive director of Kappa Alpha Order's national organization. "Such actions are against our laws and customs."

"We will use this incident to educate our members at UVA and across the country that this behavior is wrong and offensive. If our members find themselves in such a situation, they should be prepared to leave the event," said Wiese.

Kappa Alpha officials learned of the photographs and temporarily suspended the University of Virginia chapter Monday morning. An investigation began immediately. The chapter will be reinstated on Thursday, and Kappa Alpha Order will work with the chapter and alumni to schedule diversity and sensitivity education for members.

Re: I haven't seen the pictures
 

When in the slightest doubt...don't do it.

With the history of racism in AmeriKKKa, I wouldn't suggest any white person dress up as any ethnic minority. That's just basic (not so) common sense.

You're right. People are saying "uh oh, not that Robert E. Lee frat with the Confederate Flag!" But, I stress to people that those idiots in that chapter are not reflective of KAs. My chapter was real cool with some of the KAs on our campus from 96-99.

most college educated people know better than to admit that they were intentionally causing harm. so, if we're waiting for some huge "we're racist...we did it on purpose," in order to know how to punish these kids...it's not gonna happen.

incidents like this will continue to happen...because they CAN

Amen.