An anonymous phone call to the Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence
Project <
http://splcenter.org/intelligenceproject/ip-index.html> directed a
researcher to an Internet site containing the photos
</news/feature/auburn/index.html>.
"In the wake of what we experienced September 11th, this is the last thing
we would have expected to see," said Evelyn Crayton, president of the Auburn
Black Caucus, an organization of African American faculty, staff and
administrators.
The university withdrew its recognition of Beta Theta Pi and Delta Sigma
Phi, pending a full investigation of apparent violations of the university's
harassment and discriminaton policies. Both national fraternities are also
investigating, with closure of their Auburn chapters a possibility.
"We're absolutely disgusted by what we've seen," said Jon Hockman, national
executive director of Delta Sigma Phi. "The pictures completely contradict
what we have always stood for. Clearly, action will be taken."
The other fraternity under investigation, Beta Theta Pi, is one of the
nation's oldest and largest, with more than 165,000 members. National
administrative secretary Steve Becker said that number includes "numerous"
African American members at chapters other than Auburn's, though he could
not provide a total.
"We take these things very seriously," Becker said. "This is not in line
with our principles and values."
The national president of Omega Psi Phi, the black fraternity lampooned at
the parties, called for something more than temporary suspensions.
"The images are very insulting," said Lloyd Jordan. "We feel this requires
severe university disciplinary action. A public apology is necessary."
Omega Psi Phi, one of the oldest and largest black Greek letter
organizations with 150,000 members and more than 600 chapters
internationally, has an illustrious history and membership. Bill Cosby,
Langston Hughes, Douglas Wilder, Jesse Jackson and Michael Jordan are just
some of its noted members.
Lloyd Jordan said the problem was not just with the fraternity chapters
involved, but also with the university.
"This is probably an indication of the character of the students allowed at
Auburn. It is probably not the first action of this kind. It is very serious
because they are not children and obviously believe they can do this in this
university environment."
Wes Williams, Auburn's vice president for student affairs, said the
university would "pursue the investigations aggressively."
University policy forbids "any form of discrimination or harassment related
to a student's race." The policy defines harassment broadly, including
"slurs, jokes or other graphic or physical conduct related to a student's
race."
"Thirty-seven years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act," Williams
said, "there is no acceptable explanation for the appearance of students in
Ku Klux Klan robes or blackface."
Hey y'all I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw those horrible pix. We all are angered at this childish and immature act, but don't go out and act foolish as they did. I know you want to cut up, but keep yo cool. They acted immature and they are going to have to pay for it. I know that we, as non Greeks and Greeks, are going to see to it. WE are behind you all. 
We are FAMILY...
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