Another Black Face Incident, This Time at UVA

[IotaNet]

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

[adduncan]

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.

[ChaosDST]

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.

Originally posted by Blue Violet
Ok, Just to play devils advocate, not defending or trying to offend......

But I am wondering, is it really that bad? I mean they went as the two Williams sisters who are tennis stars. Maybe they are tennis fans and just wanted to dress up as their idols?
I had two friends who wore traditional African wedding attire and painted their faces dark for Halloween one year. They weren't making fun of it at all, they really thought the wedding outfits were pretty. So did we. And we did have a friend paint his face white and come as Eminem this year. We all thought it was funny. We didn't get offended.

Free speech? Does this fall under that at all? I dunno....just my thoughts.

[ChaosDST]

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.

Originally posted by MoxieGrrl
Arrgg!! This needs to stop!! Like you said, everyone should know this is racism by now! I showed this article to my fiance, who is a KA, and he just kind of shook his head and said, "You know, with all of the bad stereotypes that some people attach to my fraternity, you would think these guys would have been a little more careful in their behavior."

Shame on these guys.

[ChaosDST]

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

Originally posted by FuzzieAlum
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.

[breathesgelatin]

Originally posted by ChaosDST
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.