Fraternity Under Investigation After Kanye West-Themed Party Featuring Blackface

The UCLA chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity is now under investigation for allegedly throwing a Kanye West-themed party that featured blackface and other racist costumes.

Pictures of the party filled with Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Alpha Phi sorority members flooded social media and ignited the hashtag #blackbruinsmatter. UCLA responded by releasing the statement, “We are concerned about these allegations and earnestly working to gather information about what occurred, talking to all those involved”.

Jeffrey Stewart, Chair of Department of Black Studies at UC Santa Barbara. “While we do not yet have all the facts, the alleged behavior is inconsistent with good judgment as well as our principles of community”, UCLA told KNBC-TV.

The party took place during Black Bruin Welcome Week, a time set aside to make available to students of color resources and connections with upperclassmen. As such, much of the UCLA community was outraged by the party, which prompted a protest and an apology from Sigma Phi Epsilon. The Fraternity is aware of images of female guests dressed in offensive and racially insensitive outfits.

The event was held Tuesday night at the predominantly white Sigma Phi Epsilon house and co-hosted by the Alpha Phi sorority, which was also suspended from social activities. It is our hope to engage with the many student organizations expressing concern and use this moment to build a more inclusive and culturally sensitive community.

The Afrikan Student Union is planning to meet later today to discuss this situation, and the council is urging students to wear black to the meeting. The protest was scheduled for noon at the Bruin Bear.

Adrena Collins, a fourth-year political science student, chants with other ASU members on their way to Murphy Hall. “A frat decided it would be okay to have their members repeat a part of history that demoralized, mocked and dehumanized African Americans”.

“A Kanye Western-themed party was meant to celebrate pop culture”, the chapter stated.