14 DAY TRIAL // The Chi Omega Nu sorority at Penn State University is being investigated over one of their party pictures displaying racial insensitivity.
As we reported yesterday, 28 girls participated in a “Mexican fiesta” themed party, which one of the girls described on Facebook as their “Mexi-chio night.”
The photo displayed intolerance and racial stereotyping, as the girls dressed up in ponchos, sombreros, and fake mustaches, in an effort to embody residents of Mexico.
The picture went viral on Facebook, after two sorority members put up what can be considered offensive signs. The signage puts forward the notions that Mexicans are lazy, use drugs and have menial jobs such as mowing lawns.
“Will mow lawn for weed & beer” and “I don’t cut grass I smoke it,” the signs read.
Facing media backlash and inquiries by the school board, Chi Omega Nu issued an apology for their depiction of the typical Mexican.
“Our chapter of Chi Omega sincerely apologizes for portraying inappropriate and untrue stereotypes. The picture in question does not support any of Chi Omega’s values or reflect what the organization aspires to be,” they state, according to a report by Web Pro News.
The statement responds to a complaint by the Mexican American Student Association on campus.
“The Mexican American Student Association is disappointed in the attire chosen by this sorority. It in no way represents our culture. Not only have they chosen to stereotype our culture with serapes and sombreros, but the insinuation about drug usage makes this image more offensive.
“Our country is plagued by a drug war that has led to the death of an estimated 50,000 people, which is nothing to be joked about,” organization Vice President, Cesar Sanchez Lopez, writes.
The school's Panhellenic Council has taken notice of the offensive nature of the photo and is currently investigating the issue.