Spring Break
Controversy surrounds November sorority party
Gamma Phi Beta attendees dressed in American Indian mock-ups.
Staff Report
Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: News
The Gamma Phi Beta Sorority house became the subject of pubic criticism late last week, when photos of partygoers surfaced on the Internet showing them dressed in crude mock-ups of American Indian attire.
The party took place in November 2007, but the consequences of the night are now just coming to light.
The sorority was placed on social suspension earlier this week, essentially prohibiting them from engaging in most activities with other organizations both on campus and off.
In a statement released by Gamma Phi Beta International based in Centennial, Colo., the organization said, "Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority sincerely regrets the recently-reported actions involving chapter members at the University of North Dakota. We realize that the actions of the chapter demonstrate the need for greater chapter education about diversity and personal dignity."
Since that time, a formal discrimination complaint has been delivered to university officials.
University President Charles Kupchella released a statement on Monday stating, "All of the facts having to do with this incident will be gathered and considered - most likely by several groups at several levels of review. Appropriate action will be taken at the conclusion of the review."
According to information provided by the sorority's headquarters, the organization currently claims 117 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, with more than 150.000 active members and alumnae worldwide.
In the statement provided by the group, "Gamma Phi Beta sorority has been a proud member of the University of North Dakota community for 88 years. The sorority expects that its chapter members' actions in the future will contribute positively to the University of North Dakota community and will reflect the values and standards of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and the University of North Dakota."
What the future holds for the group remains unclear. According to UND's Panhellenic Council bylaws, "Events that promote profanity, sexual imposition, degradation, etc. will not be tolerated; events of this nature include, but are not limited to: videos, poems, skits, scavenger hunts, etc. The Greek Advisor of member of PHC/IFC shall determine what constitutes if an event is questionable. If a chapter holds an event that promotes any of the above intolerable events, they will be brought before the Judicial Board."
The party took place in November 2007, but the consequences of the night are now just coming to light.
The sorority was placed on social suspension earlier this week, essentially prohibiting them from engaging in most activities with other organizations both on campus and off.
In a statement released by Gamma Phi Beta International based in Centennial, Colo., the organization said, "Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority sincerely regrets the recently-reported actions involving chapter members at the University of North Dakota. We realize that the actions of the chapter demonstrate the need for greater chapter education about diversity and personal dignity."
Since that time, a formal discrimination complaint has been delivered to university officials.
University President Charles Kupchella released a statement on Monday stating, "All of the facts having to do with this incident will be gathered and considered - most likely by several groups at several levels of review. Appropriate action will be taken at the conclusion of the review."
According to information provided by the sorority's headquarters, the organization currently claims 117 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, with more than 150.000 active members and alumnae worldwide.
In the statement provided by the group, "Gamma Phi Beta sorority has been a proud member of the University of North Dakota community for 88 years. The sorority expects that its chapter members' actions in the future will contribute positively to the University of North Dakota community and will reflect the values and standards of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and the University of North Dakota."
What the future holds for the group remains unclear. According to UND's Panhellenic Council bylaws, "Events that promote profanity, sexual imposition, degradation, etc. will not be tolerated; events of this nature include, but are not limited to: videos, poems, skits, scavenger hunts, etc. The Greek Advisor of member of PHC/IFC shall determine what constitutes if an event is questionable. If a chapter holds an event that promotes any of the above intolerable events, they will be brought before the Judicial Board."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 54
MLK
posted 3/28/08 @ 9:59 AM CST
This is ridiculous, everyone is WAY too uptight lately. Who cares what some ditsy sorority girls wore to a party one night last year?! Everyone needs to just chill out about this!!
Jake
posted 3/28/08 @ 11:06 AM CST
"We are at a place and time where a little bit of tolerance is expected and deserved."
You are exactly right here. The rest of what you said is wrong. (Continued…)
C.W.
posted 3/28/08 @ 1:35 PM CST
Why do people think that every issue dealing with Native Americans is related to the Fighting Sioux nickname? This is about racial insensitivity, it doesn't take a diversity class to see that, and those who try to make this an issue about the nickname are idiots. (Continued…)
C.W.
posted 3/28/08 @ 1:36 PM CST
Why do people think that every issue dealing with Native Americans is related to the Fighting Sioux nickname? This is about racial insensitivity, it doesn't take a diversity class to see that, and those who try to make this an issue about the nickname are idiots. (Continued…)
UND Alumni
posted 3/28/08 @ 1:51 PM CST
I am a UND Alumni and was a member of a sorority on campus. I am a professional individual- not a ditsy whore that many seem to think all sorority girls are. (Continued…)
Andy J
posted 3/28/08 @ 2:29 PM CST
I am torn... I have not seen any pictures from this incident, but if it is just 5 girls, in dresses with face paint getting drunk... I see no racism there. (Continued…)
John
posted 3/29/08 @ 12:42 AM CST
First, there is a big hole in the "this-was-a-private-party" defense that I've heard. It is not as if these party-goers were celebrating as private citizens. (Continued…)
Kim
posted 3/30/08 @ 6:40 PM CST
This is a "free" country. Let the people wear what they want to wear. It's not like they dressed up as overweight, unemployed, welfare-collecting natives. (Continued…)
amanda
posted 4/01/08 @ 8:19 PM CST
I currently attend UND and understanding the racial conflict that occurs because of the Sioux logo controversy lends some credence to the the reprecussions that the Sorority now faces. (Continued…)
Kim
posted 4/02/08 @ 6:21 PM CST
Rick... you couldn't have said it any better. this should be published in the paper.
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