JHU Sigma Chi "Halloween in the Hood Party"
 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061031/...alloween_party

I wonder what will come of this...

I'm not quite sure I follow the story... Was the fraternity suspended because of the language used in the invitation, because of the skeleton hanging from the noose, or because of the name of the party? Or, was it a combination of the three?

I can understand how this could cause some racial tension, but it doesn't seem like the BSU handled it appropriately when they held a mock lynching of the skeleton.

Either there are big gaps in the story or I'm simply too tired to fully understand it. Or maybe both, I dunno.

"Marvin "Doc" Cheatham, president of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP, said he intends to explore legal action against both the fraternity and the university."

What is the crime upon which legal action could be taken? Is a skeleton or a pirate racist? Is it the word "hood"? I am playing devil's advocate here. I just want to be clear on what the issue is. Excuse my naivete.

Apparently, it was a combination of the three.

Also, the BSU didn't hold a mock lynching of the skeleton (if I read your post right). The held up a picture of the skeleton and an old picture of a lynching.

my reaction to this entire situation is:

OH, PLEASE :rolleyes:

This is an overreaction by the BSU, the university, NHQ and NAACP.

Ok... that makes more sense. I read the story too fast, and didn't pay enough attention. But, I still don't get the connection. Lots of people have skeletons hanging around on Halloween - did I miss another connection between Sigma Chi's skeleton and a lynching? I mean, was there a confederate flag on the skeleton, or a kkk hood or something like that? (Not trying to be dense - really - I just don't understand why the BSU responded with the lynching thing.)

Playing devil's advocate usually means that you understand yourself but are just trying to get people to question the accepted side of the argument--for the sake of argument. ;)


Topic:

I love Sigma Chis but I wish people would operate under the "if it isn't a necessary theme and has the potential to offend anyone, do something else" rule.

Things like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter parties have the potential to offend Pagans, Jews, Muslims, and people not of Christian faith. Should we not have those either then?

This could just be a case of how people's perceptions are their realities. The "hood" plus the "bling bling" plus the "skeleton hanging" conjured up images. If it had been a different theme with skeletons hanging then there probably wouldn't be protest.

Bad analogy.

Like William Brody, I am also deeply disturbed. Sigma Chi should be suspended from Johns Hopkins forever because of what they did. I mean, who says "bling" anymore? And what the hell is "ice ice"? "Hoochie Hoops"? It's a free country, but what the hell is up with using terms that weren't even that cool six years ago? It probably would be a lot less offensive if the chapter members did some actual research on their theme. I mean, those guys could easily get positions at BET if they didn't date themselves as much as they did.

Okay on a serious note, I wonder how the actual party turned out. I'd love to see some pictures. Before I was greek, I got turned away from some "hood" or "ghetto" themed fraternity parties. That irony stung harder than the actual stereotypes. I'm still protesting BET. Just because they aren't a GLO doesn't mean they don't promote the same ignorance. I'm so mad I can barely ramble.

The king has spoken

I will not argue that my brothers at JHU did something thoughtless and stupid. In this day and age, no matter that they probably did not intentionally mean to defame or debase another culture, they should have known better. That being said:

* I do not think that banning them 'forever' is a punishment that fits the crime. It was incredibly stupid. They should have known better. Did they intentionally decide: Hey, let's suggest that black people should be lynched? I doubt it. Alternate scenerios: Have them present a forum on racial relations. Have them volunteer at an organization that supports either the African-American community or any other group.

* As a white man, I can never fully comprehend the pain and hurt of the history of lynchings. I can empathize, but that is it. Teach them. Let them learn from their mistake. This reminds me of one of the seasons of "The Real World". One of the white house members made some very racially hurtful statements. One of the African-American female housemates treated him in a very disdainful manner, no matter how he apologized. The African-American male housemate made it his mission to educate the white housemate and show him where his thoughts were wrong. Should we still have to do this in 2006? Ideally not; in reality, yes.

Again, it was a stupid thing to do. It is not justifiable. Should they be punished by being banned forever? I hope not. Teach them where they went wrong and how to avoid it again.

PhrozenGod, I hope you accept my thoughts and feelings in fraternal spirit. It hurts me that any member of my fraternity would intentionally or unintentionally degrade another culture.

Ok, maybe I wasn't playing devil's advocate. I really didn't understand what the issue was. Now I do ... the combination of the elements can be misconstrued, but was that the intent? Again, if I am being naive, let me know.

I don't think the intent was to be offensive because they probably did not discuss the offense factor. However, the outcome is the only thing people can go based on since we can't be 100% certain of the intent beyond what we are told.

I think the Sigma Chis should be told how the combination of elements COULD BE offensive and told to be more careful in the future. Perhaps a verbal warning of sorts but with an educational spin. I don't think any other action is necessary because the point, when people unintentionally offend, is to educate and not to punish.

First off, my bad. I was too sarcastic in talking about some very serious issues. Even though I have never been to that campus, I can truly understand how members of the BSU feel, but also feel that the national scrutiny into the incident is a pretty significant consequence for ignorance. There are probably a couple of chapter members who are extremely embarrassed that they are "that racist frat". I can picture one of your bruhs going home for that weekend to see his fam, and then coming back on monday wondering why his chapter is featured on Yahoo News, and not for any good reason.

I feel as though your solutions or alternatives are much more constructive than a slap on the wrist, pocketbook, or charter. If the sigma chi chapter actually did something proactive to help out black people, or anyone who really needs help in the community, then they could probably learn something more than just outdated slang. They might actually put some thought into their future party planning and have those same BSU members jealous that they didn't think of it first.

It's probably a little too late for that situation to be perfectly smoothed over, but I balk more at the ignorance and not so much at the intent. I mean, the chapter had to have more than just the three people who apologized at the press conference. Like other posters have said, someone within the org should have proofread the facebook invites so that their event would seem both wild and classy at the same time.

Oh, and which season of "Real World" was that? God, I wished I had tried out for that show.

I don't think its a big deal, but then I wouldnt. However, you guys do realize that these parties are often just excuses to drink 40's and listen to rap and what not. Its a theme party, just like anything else. I wonder if Hawaiians get offended over Luau parties...

Actually, I think someone was upset by that.

This stuff is all mostly harmless and while I understand how offense could be inferred, it's hard to say "you can't take this from pop culture because you're not the right skin color"

I'd also like to nominate the following as the worst comment of all time...

...I wish people would operate under the "if it isn't a necessary theme and has the potential to offend anyone, do something else" rule.

People are way too sensitive in this day and age for something like this to work. Americans just need tougher skin.

Actually, it's a good rule that most adults will have to live by at various points in our lives. Doesn't mean we have to live by it all the time but it's a matter of whether we feel like being bothered with the possible consequences of not living by it.

Is it worth it to keep a theme that MIGHT offend someone and result in disciplinary action? Probably not.

What would be better is if people could be offended without pressing for disciplinary action. This PC is killin me.

Well that's what I recommended in my other post. A combination of being proactive and educationally reactive is what's needed, which is what my posts are speaking to.

I certainly don't think that, if we're against being too PC, anyone should have to hold their tongues on either side.

I agree, but the problem is that while one side does its thing, the side thats offended is seeking action. If they want to get angry about it, thats fine, but unfortunately when the words "racist" and "fraternity" are thrown out in the same statement, universities generally jump and go, "We've got to take some action!"

I understood completely the passion behind your feelings. Whenever I hear that a fraternity has done something wrong, my first thought is always: "Please don't let it be a Sigma Chi chapter. Please, not Sigma Chi!".

I think the 'Real World' season was set in Chicago, but might have been New York. The female was Coral, who has appeared on some of the RW/RR Challenges. I can't remember the AfricanAmerican male, and the white housemate was Mike(?). And, of course, he was a fraternity guy. :rolleyes:

A friend of mine is one of the Sigma Chi founders at Johns Hopkins. With his permission, I am reposting a note that he wrote on facebook about the situation:


When I along with 14 other Hopkins undergraduates founded Sigma Chi Sigma, a petitioning local of the Sigma Chi international fraternity, we did so in order to foster an environment of diversity and equality for men of different temperaments talents and convictions on the Hopkins campus. This is why I was horrified to learn of the events that had taken place Saturday night and the subsequent unapologetic behavior of certain members of the chapter. However, I feel that, before any irrevocable judgments are passed down, it is necessary to understand all facets of the events that managed to make the Baltimore & DC news, and even the New York Times. On Monday, I spoke to the BSU president, vice-president, and treasurer, in addition to the Sigma Chi province administrator and the Kappa Upsilon chapter advisor, in an effort to separate fact from spin and event from emotion.

Firstly, the Facebook advertisement of the party was one of the most horrific and prejudiced statements I have ever read. I was appalled that the statements were made and then defended by a member of the organization I spent 3 years building. The brother who posted the announcement did so without authorization from the school, the national fraternity, or the executive board of the Kappa Upsilon chapter. He also re-posted it after it was taken down, again without any form of authorization.

Let me state, this brother has been stripped of his status as a Sigma Chi, before any of the university’s proceedings even began. Sigma Chi has fought long and hard to be known as a diverse fraternity with brothers from all walks of life. Hatred is not a value we share among our brothers, and intolerance has no place within our ranks. His repeated offensive and un-apologetic behavior forced Sigma Chi’s hand and while an extreme punishment, we felt it was necessary due to the gravity of the incident. The Johns Hopkins chapter of Sigma Chi, while relatively young, has a strong history of community and neighborhood relations. We have been very open about who we are and what our goals as a brotherhood are, throwing community barbeques and potluck dinners with neighboring Charles Village residents, racking up hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars for the Children’s Miracle Network in Baltimore over the years, and throwing an annual Haunted House for the Baltimore community.

The scarecrow that the BSU has interpreted as a black man being lynched, and the photograph of which has been spread to most major local news media is an extremely evocative and disturbing image, but I believe some explanation is required. The “scarecrow” is actually a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed costume, and the noose is another Halloween-themed novelty item also movie licensed and themed. In fact, the costume is a “Jack Sparrow” themed costume, which accounts for the black wig. So while they labeled it a black man, it was actually meant to be Johnny Depp in character from a very successful Disney film.

Both of these Disney-licensed items were purchased at a Party City and put up first last year at our Halloween Party and the Haunted House which Sigma Chi provides for free every year since our acquisition of a house. This is an event co-sponsored by the Office of Greek Life in which, on Halloween, the brothers of Sigma Chi decorate their house and invite the neighborhood children in the surrounding areas to come and trick or treat. We include entertainment for parents and escort through the Haunted House by brothers. We invited the BSU to participate in this event last year but they never responded.

One of the immediate, concrete ramifications of the BSU’s outcry against Sigma Chi has been the immediate removal of all Hopkins funding of Sigma Chi. This will not shut down Sigma Chi’s ability to throw parties; however, it will make it impossible to host the Haunted House, as the brothers were relying on the Office of Greek Life’s matching funds. The children who enjoyed the Haunted House last year didn’t seem to mind the “hung” costumed skeleton, but I’m sure they’ll be disappointed by the fact that the Haunted House had to be cancelled because of the BSU’s hasty action.

The hearing yesterday did little to enhance debate but, did a tremendous amount to stoke the anger and hurt feelings being felt by the campus. I was there, sitting with my brothers, and frankly could not stand being called a prejudiced and elitist over and over by people who had never met me. A Latino student asked if any of the BSU students actually went to the party. None had. I found the hearing to be less a debate on action, and more a rally to build support for the BSU’s position. After an hour and a half of being called a racist and being out of touch with the Baltimore community, a community that I had personally reached out to in my 5 years in Baltimore, I could not stand it any longer, and left, knowing my presence could not help the situation and only further separated Sigma Chi from the rest of the student body.

The disconnect between the students of Johns Hopkins and the greater Baltimore community go far beyond one hate-filled post and a scarecrow with a black wig. There are real issues that the university must acknowledge and must work with student groups, Greek organizations and the community at large to ameliorate. However the solution to the problems of racial inequality at Hopkins and Baltimore is not the simple crucifixion of an organization created to help change the campus, or of 27 upstanding young men because of the reckless and arrogant venom from one immature ex-brother. The problem will still exist the day after the Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Chi disappears, except then Hopkins will be left with one less group of students who were truly shocked and disgusted by the events of Saturday evening and the extensive impact they had on the student body and the community.

Now see, this right here is racist:
http://www.tolerance.org/news/feature/auburn/index.html

There's no excuse for this. The JHU Sigma Chis just showed poor judgment, kind of like the XOs awhile back who gave an award for the 'blackest Chi Omega', which did not go to a black Chi Omega.

Halloween isn't offensive....;)

well maybe

Yeah, generally, but I know of a few instances at institutions around the country where administration didn't take student concerns seriously and basically ignored protests.

Remember that for every news story read, there are tons of other "stories" that fizzle out and are unreported to media outlets.

This was a good speech and helped me understand the issue more. And WOW:eek: at this part.

Oh yeah, I love Sigma Chis.

Yea my friend's a great guy and a great writer and after I saw that, I asked him to post it because I felt that people on here could appreciate it.

My parents are active christians and my mother HATES halloween. Depends where you're from really.

This discussion reminds me of one of the best movies of all time, PCU. I think I might go rent it right now.

I think the issue that really set off the black students was that in addition to calling it a hood party and asking folks to dress like blacks in Baltimore they also calling Baltimore as an HIV pit.

What is an active Chritstian? Social activism or paying dues to Jesus?

I also hate Halloween but can tolerate its antics on occasion.

I missed this part. :eek: If this is true, I change my mind: These guys are assholes who intended to offend and I'm glad disciplinary action will be taken.

Was this in the FaceBook invitation or were the member(s) saying this at a public meeting?

If this is true and not what was presented in the yahoo story and the message by the Sigma Chi Alum, I take my statement back as well, because it seems that the entire story has not been presented. I take back my original statement as well.

It was in the facebook invitation. My thing is if they had to ask the one member to remove it once, then knew he posted it again, they should have taken measures to address the situation before the party.

Firstly, the Facebook advertisement of the party was one of the most horrific and prejudiced statements I have ever read. I was appalled that the statements were made and then defended by a member of the organization I spent 3 years building. The brother who posted the announcement did so without authorization from the school, the national fraternity, or the executive board of the Kappa Upsilon chapter. He also re-posted it after it was taken down, again without any form of authorization.

Let me state, this brother has been stripped of his status as a Sigma Chi, before any of the university’s proceedings even began. Sigma Chi has fought long and hard to be known as a diverse fraternity with brothers from all walks of life. Hatred is not a value we share among our brothers, and intolerance has no place within our ranks. His repeated offensive and un-apologetic behavior forced Sigma Chi’s hand and while an extreme punishment, we felt it was necessary due to the gravity of the incident.

Quote taken from earlier passage.

From my understanding, when it was first posted, the chapter told the (now ex) member to take it down. How do you know that when he put it up again, the chapter knew and did nothing? Should they have checked before the party - probably. Did they check, see it, and do nothing? That has not been stated. The member who put it up has been stripped of his membership. Should the others be punished because of one person? Particularly if they did not know of his repeat posting?

Yes they should be punished. Banned from Hopkins forever? No. But there is no secret that there is a lot of racial tension between Hopkins students and the Baltimore Community. So knowing that this could be a potentially explosive situation, they should have monitored it more effectively.

Should they be punished? No argument here. Please see my earlier post after PhrozenGod's original post. I gave what I thought were several good ideas.