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'Kanye Western' party at UCLA ignites backlash
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.
Action tmrw in response to the current racial incident. Wear all black. #BlackBruinsMatter pic.twitter.com/zuyG4E8SLS
— Black Bruins (@BlackBruins) October 8, 2015
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."