Alleged Arkansas Tech Sorority Member Under Fire For Wearing Blackface To Halloween Costume Contest
10 years ago

One Arkansas Tech student, who is rumored to be a member of a sorority, is in hot water after donning blackface for her appearance as Lil Wayne in a fraternity Halloween costume contest.

Here is the outfit that is causing all the controversy:

Arkansas Tech has since released a statement on the incident.

From Arkansas Tech University:

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, a student organization hosted a Halloween costume contest on the Arkansas Tech University campus in Russellville. As part of the event, a Caucasian student dressed as African-American performer Lil Wayne and chose to use blackface as part of her costume.

Below is a statement from Dr. Robin E. Bowen, Arkansas Tech University president:

“I share the deep hurt felt by many that a display such as the one that took place at our university could occur in this day and time. Participation in a just and fair society requires that each of us take the feelings of others into consideration at all times so as to not be offensive to others. In this case, some of our students fell short of that standard.

“As a result, Arkansas Tech University will investigate this matter through the proper channels to ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken. We are in the business of education, and rather than running away from this very unpleasant situation we will use it as an opportunity to reinforce our institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion. We will offer resources to all involved. We will continue teaching our students and preparing them to become effective citizens.

“To our students, I ask that you join me in making a simple and yet critical commitment. Today, tomorrow and forevermore, love your fellow man. Demonstrate consideration for his or her point of view. When you see or hear something that you know is wrong, do what is right. Our ability to create a society in which each person feels welcome and included will hinge upon a countless series of individual decisions. Make good decisions.”

Yeah, blackface is never a good idea. Ever. I could’ve told her this was going to happen.

We will provide updates to this story as they become known.

Fraternity philanthropy events don’t always go as planned.

[via Arkansas Tech University]

Image via YouTube

    1. GuiltyByAssociation

      She didn’t win anything. Actually, all of the awards went to an anxiety-ridden kid in a homemade Thor costume.

      10 years ago at 5:18 pm
  4. PiKappaMerica

    She looks identical to lil Wayne and most people our age realize that. IMO it would be risky to dress up as just a generic black person but since she’s dressing up as a popular celebrity it’s okay. She probably likes lil Wayne and also the fact that it was hard to pull that off since she’s white makes it even better of a costume for the contest cause she nailed it.

    10 years ago at 4:24 pm
  6. BasedSrat

    Why is no one talking about how the DeVry Guy found the worst photo of this university possible

    10 years ago at 4:41 pm
  7. Fratasaurus

    Every person in America should wear black face for Halloween in honor of all the great things Africans have done for this country

    10 years ago at 5:04 pm
  8. DDbalance

    The irony of the photo is the Alpha Phi Alpha member in the background looks like he’s having a grand ol’ time. 10/10 on the costume though.

    10 years ago at 5:22 pm
  9. ANaturalLightPlease

    Black face isn’t okay, but every sorority girl dressing as a “frat boy” is? #FratLivesMatter

    10 years ago at 5:28 pm
  10. GeebsNotGeeds

    So it’s Lil Wayne white now? Because if not I’m pretty sure this is just accurate, not offensive.

    10 years ago at 6:18 pm
    1. GeebsNotGeeds

      *is
      But point still stands. Also I’m officially going to file a complaint with their school about anyone who dresses as a vampire and paints themselves white because that’s just anti-albinos. Also hugely disappointed to say that my spellchecker recommended anti-albinos before I finished typing it. Which means that’s an actual word that someone out there has used before..

      10 years ago at 6:23 pm
  11. Pcw07192011

    I do not believe in any way did this young woman intend a racist statement. Thank our Lord and Savior this age group of young people grew up in a time where “Slavery” and the HISTORY of “STAGE Blackface” are learned in HISTORY books. PLEASE people. Let’s choose our REAL battles. God Bless her and may those with the energy to be angry over a innocent mistake find peace.

    10 years ago at 6:38 pm