Dartmouth University fraternity throws ‘Bloods, Crips’ party

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

Dartmouth University’s Alpha Delta fraternity and Tri-Delta sorority put together a “Bloods and Crips Party,” referring to the largely African-American, rival Los Angeles street gangs, on July 26.

In an invitation for the event sent via e-mail, an Alpha Delta brother warned recipients to “choose wisely.”

One student who interns for the Office of Black Student Advising, sent an email to Dartmouth administrative officials saying the party “turned into a ‘ghetto party’ with racialized language, speech and dress. Over 200 individuals attended this event.”

Alpha Delta issued an apology for the party in a statement to Dartblog:

Alpha Delta hosted a “Bloods and Crips Party” on the night of Friday, July 26th. The idea was never meant to be derogatory to any group, and was intended to introduce a costume theme to the party. While there was never any ill intent in the party’s theme, the brothers of Alpha Delta now realize that it was insensitive and thoughtless to make light of a very serious issue that affects many people nationwide, particularly young people. Gang violence is obviously an incredibly serious problem across America, and while we as a house failed to preemptively recognize the offensive nature of the party’s theme, the gravity of our oversight is now apparent to us.

The sorority involved, Tri-Delta, also issued a statement to Dartblog, saying:

We would like to extend our sincerest apology to the Dartmouth community and all those offended by the inappropriately themed recent event in which some of our members participated. We will be working with the college and Tri Delta Executive Office in order to continue to educate our members regarding cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.