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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

'Kanye Western' party at UCLA ignites backlash

The Daily Bruin reported that partygoers wore "baggy clothes, plumped lips and padded bottoms, or as 'Kardashians.'"
The Daily Bruin reported that partygoers wore "baggy clothes, plumped lips and padded bottoms, or as 'Kardashians.'"
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NBCLA
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The hashtag #BlackBruinsMatter has emerged on social media after a UCLA fraternity and sorority hosted a "Kanye Western"-themed party this week. 

Guests at the party Tuesday night were dressed in "baggy clothes, plumped lips and padded bottoms, or as 'Kardashians,'" reported the Daily Bruin. The party was hosted by Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Alpha Phi sorority. 

The Afrikan Student Union at UCLA plan to meet at noon Thursday to address the controversy.

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The Daily Bruin posted images on social media from the party with the students' faces blurred out. In response to the issue, people took to social media using the hashtag #BlackBruinsMatter.

https://twitter.com/Devyani_Rana/status/651851025112940544

https://twitter.com/Ms_Holliday93/status/652051812598484993

https://twitter.com/reecipeacee/status/651892323601682432

https://twitter.com/MizzFictionista/status/652158434821828610

Sigma Phi Epsilon's national office told KPCC that an investigation is underway and that activities of its UCLA chapter have been temporarily suspended.

"The fraternity is aware of images of female guests dressed in offensive and racially insensitive outfits," said communications director Beaux Carriere in an email. He added that students will be held accountable for any inappropriate behavior. 

The sorority has not yet responded to a request for comment. 

In an emailed statement, UCLA said "both Greek organizations allegedly involved have been placed on immediate interim suspension of all social activities pending the outcome of an investigation."