The University of Texas chapter of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (Fiji) fell under controversy on Monday, Feb. 9 with news that guests at the chapter’s "marshal" event two days before wore offensive outfits including ponchos, sombreros and construction gear. Many guests wore hard hats with the names “Jefe” and “Pablo Sanchez,” according to party guests, who said that the theme was communicated to them as "border patrol."
UT students told The Horn that Fiji annually hosts the party. Fiji President Andrew Campbell said in a statement that Fiji did not mean to offend anyone.
"It is never the intention or goal of any of the members of Texas Fiji or invited guests to portray any racial or ethnic group in a negative manner,” Campbell said in the statement. “If any individual or cultural groups were offended, Texas Fiji apologizes for any insensitivity that our guests or members may have portrayed. Once again, it is never Texas Fiji 's intent to alienate or demean any ethnic group."
UT said in a Monday statement that its Campus Climate Response Team, which investigates incidents of bias, has received multiple complaints regarding the party and the university is investigating.
“The university’s Campus Climate Response Team has received multiple complaints and is moving swiftly to review and respond to the allegations about a theme party held off campus by a UT fraternity this weekend,” the statement said. “Our Dean of Students’ office is meeting with leadership of the student group today and is moving quickly to gather information and assess the situation.”
Erica Saenz, associate vice president for community and external relations, said any disciplinary actions would have to be taken by the Dean of Students. Longhorn League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) called for university action in a Monday statement and online petition, saying that the intention of the party was clear.
“Fiji stated that the official party theme was 'traditional Old Western,' but they clearly had another agenda by telling the people attending that the theme was 'Border Patrol,' " the statement said. “The University should enforce stricter penalties against groups that insult cultures because there is clearly not enough being done if they are not afraid of the repercussions of hosting another party with such an offensive theme. This nonsense must end. Now."
In 2007, Fiji was accused of giving its pledges a list of confidential rules that included biased instructions like “no interracial dating” and “no Mexicans.” The president of Fiji at the time called the accusations false and “libelous.”
UT’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, along with Delta Delta Delta and Zeta Tau Alpha sororities, came under scrutiny in 2012 for Mexican-themed parties with racially insensitive behavior surrounding them. At a party co-hosted by the two sororities, guests were photographed wearing t-shirts that read "illegal" and "border patrol." ATO planned a party with a "border to cross" event in which guests would have to go through obstacles to get between the two sides of the party, which would represent the U.S. and Mexico. However, the fraterntniy cancelled it following backlash from the Facebook event for it.
Saenz said the Campus Climate Response Team isn't a disciplinary body but can recommend educational outreach programs with the Office of the Dean of Students or Student Affairs.
The team recorded a 713 percent increase the number of “bias incidents” reported in 2013-2014, compared to the previous academic year, citing a spike largely because of complaints received over the “Affirmative Action Bake Sale” and “Catch an Illegal Immigrant Game” hosted by Young Conservatives of Texas.
