Two young men attending a Halloween party may have gone too far when choosing their costumes this year.
The University of Virginia chapters of Kappa Alpha Order and Zeta Psi Fraternity were suspended after two male guests showed up for the event at the Zeta Psi house in blackface dressed as tennis players Venus and Serena Williams.
National leaders from both organizations conducted investigations following the incident.
"We temporarily suspended operations at the Lambda chapter until our investigation was complete," said Todd Shelton, Kappa Alpha Order's communications director. "Kappa Alpha has a zero-tolerance policy for this type of thing."
Shelton said this was an unfortunate turn of events. He also said this type of thing should not be tolerated anywhere by anyone.
Pictures taken at the Oct. 31 party were later posted on a Web site for viewing.
After meeting with members of the chapter and university officials, Kappa Alpha concluded the event did not occur on their property and no members were involved. The suspension was lifted and the chapter was reinstated last week. Kappa Alpha Order will work with the chapter members and alumni to schedule diversity and sensitivity education for members.
MSU Interfraternity Council President Paul Hage shared the same sentiments as Shelton.
"I think it's a horrible event," he said. "People need to realize certain types of behavior aren't to be tolerated."
Hage said if a similar incident occurred at MSU, a meeting with all chapter presidents would be scheduled followed by a judicial hearing to finalize a punishment.
"People need to be a little more thoughtful and aware of other people's feelings."
A Black Student Alliance member agreed with Hage.
"I think those frats should have been expelled from the campus for a period of time to atone for their disruptive behavior," said Darren Lamb, an interdisciplinary studies in social science junior.
"You have to nip the problem in the bud; take the bull by the horns and let those frats know this type of behavior will not be tolerated."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
