KA's Omicron Chapter Suspended following allegations of racial insensitivity

[Kevin]

Daily Texan
University of Texas, Autsin
February 11, 2003, Tuesday

Texas fraternity loses charter following racism allegations

By Lauren Reinlie, Daily Texan

The Kappa Alpha Order's local Omicron chapter was suspended by the organization's central office Monday, pending further investigation into allegations of racist behavior at parties hosted by the fraternity.

The chapter was suspended after the KA national organization read in The Daily Texan that some guests at a "Gin and Juice" theme party on Jan. 31 were alleged to have worn racially insensitive shirts. The Interfraternity Council extended the suspension handed down by the national organization
located in Lexington, Va.

"All chapter activities are suspended until further notice," said Todd Shelton, director of communications for the Kappa Alpha Order national administrative office. The fraternity house is closed to visitors but may remain open to residents, he said. Social activities will not be allowed.

Shelton said the suspension is standard practice to prevent the
fraternities from continuing to commit possible violations. He said he was not prepared to make a statement on what rules the fraternity might have violated.

"Anything that was racially insensitive, that would be ungentlemanly-like conduct, would not be appropriate of our members," Shelton said.

The charter will be suspended until the national organization can fully investigate the allegations.

Onaje Barnes, a University of Texas-Austin economics senior, filed
complaints with Greek Life and Education late Monday against Phi Gamma Delta and Kappa Alpha fraternities for exhibiting harassment behavior at their parties.

"I think this is a step in the right direction," Barnes said. "I commend the national organization."

Barnes said he plans to file complaints with Judicial Services as well as present a complaint to the Dean of Students Teresa Graham Brett Tuesday at the Retention and Recruitment Town Hall Meeting.

After a complaint is filed with the IFC, it goes before the Judicial Board, which will investigate the complaint and determine whether the incident was in violation of the IFC Code of Conduct.

Brett said she commends the suspension by the national chapter.

"I think the fact that they have acted quickly is important and sends an important message," Brett said.

Brett said she is still investigating what actions can be taken against both Kappa Alpha and Phi Gamma Delta on behalf of the University.

"I think it does not reflect well on the University," Brett said.
"Unfortunately, the actions of the students reflect on the entire
University community, though it is clearly the actions of a few."

Chris Eyhorn, president of IFC, said he plans to work closely with the members of the other greek councils in order to prevent incidents like this. In addition, he said he will ask that presidents of fraternities inform their members of the situation and make it clear that these incidents will not be tolerated.

"Obviously, this is bad press," Eyhorn said. "When a bad situation happens, it gets more press than a good situation. I think it reflects poorly, not only on the greek community, but the entire University."

The local chapter of Phi Gamma Delta is also alleged to have participated in racist behavior. At their party on Oct. 31, someone wore black body paint.

Carl Ceder, president of the UT chapter of Phi Gamma Delta and a finance senior, said his organization is not concerned with having their charter revoked because he does not think they have committed an error.

"We are sorry that we are getting viewed in this light," Ceder said. "I empathize with the situation, but we do not want to be lumped with anyother fraternities on campus. "

Ceder said the event was a Halloween party in which someone dressed as a wrestling character.

"If we would have thought this was meant to be racially insensitive, there is no question, we would have asked him to take it off," Ceder said. "This was not a theme; it was not fraternity-sanctioned."

Tim Weaver, president of the KA Omicron chapter, did not return calls.

(C) 2002 Daily Texan