Students, faculty, and alumni of the mostly-white Fairfield University criticized an off-campus party that had a “ghetto” theme, calling it “embarrassing,” according to The New York Times. People who attended the party Saturday night allegedly wore brown makeup and baggy clothing.
The president of Fairfield University, Reverend Jeffrey P. von Arx, denounced the party.
“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,” said Father von Arx in an email statement to students.
Jennifer Anderson, a university spokeswoman, told the Times, “The university is dedicated to continuing cultural diversity on campus…we’ll learn from this.” Although university officials and residents were surprised by the event, many of the students were not.
“Even though the school is becoming more diverse, the students aren’t being integrated well,” junior Juanita Rainey said in an interview with CT News Junkie.
Fairfield University has around 5,000 students—78 percent of the full-time undergrads were white.
“I think there are more people adding to the diversity of the campus, but it’s definitely not a diverse campus,” an unnamed student told the Times.
The party was held at a house near Fairfield beach, according to Ctpost.com. The university insists that the students, whether on or off campus, are held to the same high standards as always. When are people going to learn that these racist parties are not okay?