UCLA Frat Under Fire After Throwing 'Kanye Western' Party
The public didn't even have to wait for Halloween this year for its annual dose of racist fraternity parties!
Members of UCLA's Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity are facing criticism after photos surfaced online of a "Kanye Western" themed party. The photos reportedly showed students wearing blackface, do-rags and padding their butts (to look like a Kardashian.)
The blackface allegations come from these photos where partygoers are shown dressing up as "gold diggers" with coal on their faces.
The reaction from students online was swift, sparking outrage on social media and a protest.
Blatant acts of cultural insensitivity are unacceptable. Black culture is not a costume. #BlackBruinsMatter pic.twitter.com/VYbGVWC3Id
— Chloe Pan (@chloeqpan) October 8, 2015"Black culture is not a theme" Solidarity at #UCLA #BlackBruinsMatter pic.twitter.com/xN07YoiJUB
— Javan (@JavanCross) October 8, 2015UCLA released a statement condemning the party, and said they are investigating the fraternity's actions.
"We remind students that while they are free to celebrate in ways that draw on popular culture, their specific choices can cause harm and pain to fellow members of their community. Put simply: Just because you can do something, does not mean you should," a university spokesperson said.
