UCLA students are demanding that the university take action after their peers dressed in blackface at a “Kanye Western” frat party, The Daily Bruin reports.
The party occurred Tuesday (October 6) and members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the Alpha Phi sorority smudged black makeup on their foreheads and cheeks and dressed in baggy clothing and other costumes imitating Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and other affiliates of the rapper.
“It’s extremely disrespectful for any organization at all to think that this is possibly a good idea,” Kelsee Thomas, member of the Afrikan Student Union says. “I understand the play on words, but there are so many other ways [to dress] to fit that.”
The university says it is investigating the matter and notes that students have a right to express themselves and comment on popular culture, but should be mindful of the effects their actions have on their peers.
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“Put simply, just because you can do something does not mean you should,” it says in a statement.
Sigma Phi Epsilon representative Beaux Carriere released a statement to KTLA.
“We are investigating the allegations and are working closely with UCLA to determine the facts,” it says. “Building diverse and inclusive communities is core to our identity as an organization. We have zero tolerance for racist behavior. We’re ready to respond appropriately if any of these allegations are substantiated.”
