A controversial "ghetto-themed" party has led to officials at Connecticut's Fairfield University to launch a forum to discuss racial issues on campus, according to the Associated Press. The student-organized event, which took place Feb. 20 in off-campus housing, allegedly included instances of blackface and costumes mocking racial minorities.
Those criticizing the party claimed that the students covered their faces in brown makeup and dressed as caricatures of offensive racial stereotypes. One photo allegedly taken at the party and captioned "who's the daddy??? Anyone's guess," showed a student dressed up as a pregnant woman smoking a cigarette, according to the New York Daily News.
A private Roman Catholic institution, Fairfield University has a largely white student body. Discussions are now taking place regarding the university's lack of diversity.
In an email to the student body, university president Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx concluded that the issues go further than just the party itself after speaking to students and "[hearing] the personal accounts of how this incident has impacted them," according to the New York Times.
"To some within our community, this incident is symptomatic of conditions on campus that inhibit our many positive efforts to build a more inclusive, respectful and safer community," he told students in the email. "I ask again that you join me in personal accountability and meaningful action to make us a better institution."
University authorities have roundly condemned the party, saying in a statement that they "expect that our students, faculty and staff maintain the highest level of respect for one another," according to USA Today. Fairfield University also stated that it would be investigating the matter immediately and will "take appropriate actions as soon as the facts have been determined."
