Blackface Debate In Virginia

A student panel at the University of Virginia cleared two fraternities of disorderly conduct accusations stemming from a Halloween party where guests wore blackface but recommended the houses discipline their members.

The panel, convened by the university's Inter-Fraternity Council, determined Monday that Kappa Alpha and Zeta Psi could not be punished because the partygoers' actions were constitutionally protected speech.

But the panel also condemned those at the party for "an apparent historical blindness and lack of sensitivity" and recommended that both houses discipline their members and conduct educational programs.

Photos of those in blackface had circulated for several weeks on the Internet. They showed at least three costumed students with their faces painted black or brown at a party co-hosted by the two fraternities. One man was dressed as Uncle Sam and two others were dressed as tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams.

Many students decried the costumes as racist and offensive throwbacks to the days of minstrel shows. But others wrote letters to the student newspaper defending the costumes as innocent fun and criticizing the backlash as political correctness.

The national organizations of both fraternities sanctioned their U.Va. chapters after college officials discovered the photos Nov. 18. Kappa Alpha lifted the suspension of its chapter after two days, when leaders concluded that none of its members were involved.

Zeta Psi remains on probation pending a disciplinary hearing with the national organization. National leaders for both organizations said they would follow the Inter-Fraternity Council's recommendation for diversity education.