Kappa Sigma Suspends Duke Chapter Over Racist Asian-Themed Party
The Kappa Sigma fraternity's national organization has announced the suspension of its Duke chapter following an Asia-themed party deemed racist by many students.
"The Kappa Sigma Fraternity finds that the actions which have been associated with this event are inappropriate and insensitive and Kappa Sigma does not condone such activity," said Kappa Sigma executive director Mitchell Wilson in a statement. "This matter will be investigated and the fraternity will address this matter in an appropriate fashion."
The Eta Prime chapter — Kappa Sigma's second oldest chapter — was welcomed back on campus just last year after a decade-long absence following allegations of policy violations and other misconduct.
The fraternity's most recent trouble began earlier this week when fliers posted around Duke blasted Eta Prime for hosting a "racist rager" that mocked Asian people by inviting members to wear stereotypical costumes such as conical hats and geisha outfits.
After news of the party spread beyond campus grounds, the fraternity's president issued an apology on behalf of his chapter.
"Upon learning of the deeply damaging effects of our email to our fellow students, we should have completely canceled the aforementioned party," wrote senior Luke Keohane in an email to the Duke Chronicle. "The Duke Community in which we exist is one that we see too often as divided, and while our actions have brought attention to and widened that divide, it is our sincere intention to work to contribute to a United Duke."
Following an on-campus protest yesterday attended by hundreds, the Asian Students Association and Duke Student Government hosted an open discussion that featured a Q&A with Keohane.
"Our actions are inexcusable," Keohane told the audience. "We're not here because we want to defend ourselves. We're here because we want to learn."
KSig members will have plenty of time for that: Wilson, the executive director, has ordered all chapter activities canceled pending the conclusion of a full investigation.
