Penn State University Sorority Chi Omega Investigated For Racist Halloween Party
December 5, 2012 by Hollywoodite
Penn State University is in the headlines again. This time, it’s for one of its sororities holding a racially-insensitive party on campus in apparent breach of the university’s diversity guidelines about which the girls are under investigation.
The Penn State chapter of Chi Omega Nu Gamma held a Mexican fiesta themed party during Halloween for which they dressed in sombreros, fake mustaches, pochos, and held signs saying “Will mow lawn for weed an beer” and “I don’t cut grass, I smoke it.” Which is being derided as racist after being shared on social media. The girls in the photo were tagged on Facebook after which their names went viral too.
There was initial reluctance to confirm or deny punishments, although sources told OnwardState.com “Director of Greek Life, Dr. Roy Baker, Director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Carlos Wiley, and the leadership of Chi Omega met to discuss potential punishments for the sorority.”
Later, the president of the Nu Gamma chapter of Chi Omega Jessica Riccardi issued a statement: “Our chapter of Chi Omega sincerely apologizes for portraying inappropriate and untrue stereotypes. The picture in question does not support any of Chi Omega’s values or reflect what the organization aspires to be.”
The Panhellenic Council executive board also issued a statement: “The Penn State Panhellenic Council recognizes the offensive nature of the photo and is therefore taking the matter very seriously. We are addressing the situation immediately with the members of the chapter in conjunction with their national headquarters. The Penn State Panhellenic Council does not condone any form of derogatory behavior from any of our members. Our Council and all its members strive to hold ourselves to a high standard and are disappointed by any failure to meet these expectations.”
Vice President of the Mexican American Student Association, Cesar Sanchez Lopez also reacted to the photo addressing its content: “The Mexican American Student Association is disappointed in the attire chosen by this sorority. It in no way represents our culture. Not only have they chosen to stereotype our culture with serapes and sombreros, but the insinuation about drug usage makes this image more offensive. Our country is plagued by a drug war that has led to the death of an estimated 50,000 people, which is nothing to be joked about.”