More problems with party costumes; is a watermelon offensive?

hoosier · #1 02-10-2003, 11:59 AM

Feb. 10, 2003, 8:20AM

Costumes at frat parties drawing complaints at UT
Associated Press

AUSTIN - Students at the University of Texas are accusing several fraternities of hosting parties in which participants wore racially insensitive costumes.

A formal complaint was planned today against at least one of the fraternities.

Dean of Students Teresa Graham Brett told The Daily Texan in today's edition she was informed of the Kappa Alpha Order party as well as Halloween parties thrown by Kappa Alpha and Phi Gamma Delta. She said students approached her with photographs of the parties taken by a local party photographer.

One photograph taken at a Phi Gamma Delta Party on Oct. 31 shows a white man wearing black paint on his face and body, an "afro" wig on his head and a chain with a lock around his neck.

Another photo taken at a Kappa Alpha party on Jan. 31 shows a white man wearing a T-shirt commemorating a Juneteenth event in 2000 while another is shown wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a large watermelon.

UT economics senior Onaje Barnes said he and other students plan to file a complaint with the Office of Greek Life and Education regarding the "Gin and Juice Party" held by the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity on Jan. 31.

But Kappa Alpha president Tim Weaver said the party's theme was meant to idolize rap music and popular culture icons and he did not realize people were going to be offended.

"It seems there were some people that showed up with extremely offensive T-shirts," Weaver, an undeclared junior, told the newspaper. "I do apologize for that part of it. We do not think it should have been that big of a deal. It came at a bad time, I think."

Barnes said the problem is that people think this behavior is acceptable.

Phil Gamma Delta historian Chris Knox said he did not see anyone wearing such costumes at the fraternity's event.

But Brett said she found the photographed costumes highly offensive, and is reviewing actions that can be taken against the fraternity.