Penn State Sorority Investigated For Racially Insensitive Photo
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (KDKA) – A Penn State University sorority is facing possible punishment after a racially insensitive photo of the sorority was posted on social media.
The photo was first reported on the blog, Onward State.
It posted the photo, showing members of the Nu Gamma of Chi Omega sorority at a Mexican fiesta themed social, and was reportedly taken around Halloween.
Members of the sorority are pictured dressed in ponchos, sombreros, and fake mustaches. One girl is holding a sign that reads, "will mow lawn for weed & beer," and another sign reads, "I don't cut grass I smoke it."
Lisa Powers, Director for the Department of Public Relations told KDKA-TV the photo has been brought to their attention and they are looking in to the issue and that the college has had conversations with the sorority members, as well as with the sorority's national chapter.
Powers says, "While these individuals are within their First Amendment rights to express themselves in this way, we are appalled that they would display this level of insensitivity. As part of a student organization, these students agreed to abide by certain standards and guidelines, and we are looking in to this aspect, as is their national chapter. These costumes and this group does not represent Greek life at Penn State, nor the 95,000 students who attend our University."
RELATED LINKS:
Onward State Blog
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