The Auburn Plainsman Online | KKK costumes test racial relations

KKK costumes test racial relations

By Maxine Clayton
Staff Writer

Emotions flared during the Auburn Black Caucus meeting Thursday while discussing an incident involving two Pi Kappa Alpha members Ku Klux Klan "costumes" for a Halloween party last fall.

Grant Davis, assistant vice president for Student Life, attended the Black Caucus meeting to explain what was seen the night of Oct. 27, the reason for the KKK attire and the disciplinary actions that were taken.

"From a personal standpoint, I find this offensive and insensitive to do something of this nature. We are working to see that this sort of thing would not happen again," Davis said.

"As far as being against any particular law or policy, there is nothing. The individuals did not break

any laws or policies. We deal with free expression everyday around here," he said.

However, Renee A. Middleton, president of the Black Caucus, was not satisfied with Davis' statement and said in rebuttal, "I agree they have the right to express themselves. But you do not see anyone dressed as Hitler walking down Magnolia.

"The behavior of the fraternity was totally offensive and totally inappropriate. The individuals dressed in Klan regalia because they felt they were not in an environment that it was tasteless and inappropriate. Somehow, the community should hear from our institution that this will not be tolerated," she said.

Other members of the Black Caucus voiced their concern that the University did not handle the situation effectively.

Willie Strain, assistant director for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, wanted the University to report the incident to the American Civil Liberties Union, which is known for defending freedoms protected by the U.S. Constitution.

He also suggested making a public statement about the fraternity.

Davis was contacted by University President William V. Muse in November to investigate the incident and determine if Klan activity was taking place at the Pi Kappa Alpha house.

Davis called Jim Hardin, Interfraternity Council adviser, and made him aware of the situation.

According to the two Auburn students involved, the following account of the night of Oct. 27 was given.

After spending an evening listening to jazz and poetry at Pebble Hill, the two black students drove down Magnolia Avenue past the Pi Kappa Alpha house. They said they saw two Pi Kappa Alpha members dressed in white robes with cone he addresses and rebel flags draped across their backs. The two fraternity members, whose names have not been released were standing in front of their fraternity house at 840 W. Magnolia Ave.

Neither student was available for additional comment about the incident.

Kevin White, president of Pi Kappa Alpha and a senior in civil engineering, said there were five fraternity members dressed in Klan attire, but only two were standing outside waiting for "sober drivers" to take them to the Halloween party at the Buffalo Connection.

White said prior to the party, the five individuals mentioned possibly wearing Klan attire for the party. "It was recommended that they find a different costume," he said.

"This was an isolated incident of five individuals dressed inappropriately. We do not represent that. We do not condone that. These guys did not do anything legally wrong and have apologized and are deeply concerned," White said.

The five fraternity members were placed on social probation for two quarters by the local chapter, he said. White would not comment on what the probation meant and the other disciplinary actions taken by the fraternity.

White also wrote a letter of apology, which was addressed to Hardin.

The letter states: "We apologize for any embarrassment we have caused Auburn's Greek organizations, the Office of Student Affairs, and Auburn University."

White said anyone who wanted a copy should feel free to contact him.

Hardin contacted Pi Kappa Alpha's alumni adviser, David Pritchett, and the fraternity's national chapter consultant, Kyle Scifert.

Pritchett said he held a meeting with the fraternity and explained to the members that the "greek system has enough problems to deal with than stirring up some more controversial issues."

During the Black Caucus meeting, Davis informed everyone about the letter of apology. Middleton said a copy of the letter should be sent to the Black Student Union, Black Caucus and other student organizations, as well as campus media.

Middleton said if the actions of the fraternity members are publicized, it is the University saying, "we are not in support of this kind of action.

"The way the University handled this situation is like sweeping it under the rug," she said.

In response, Davis said, "This incident could portray Auburn as a racist community. I do not believe Auburn is a racist community. It is a open and welcoming place. And it is important that we send the appropriate messages."