Sigma Phi Epsilon apologizes for insensitive party posters
The members of Sigma Phi Epsilon wish to apologize for the lack of sensitivity displayed on one of our recent party posters ["SPE poster spreads harmful stereotypes about African-Americans," Oct. 31]. The poster depicted one of our African-American brothers in a degrading, stereotypical pose. The reason for this error was simply bad judgment on the part of the brothers involved and there were no intentions to offend or degrade any minority groups. We would, however, like to take this opportunity to dispel a dangerous stereotype that is often associated with fraternities.
Sigma Phi Epsilon is not a racist house. In fact, we represent one of the most integrated student groups at MIT. Twenty percent of our current membership consists of minorities. These include African-Americans, Asians, Mexican-Americans, and Puerto-Ricans. Every one of them is a proud member of our fraternity. Each individual is also aware of and very proud of his own heritage. Our rush system is blind to skin color, national origin, and religion. Invitations to join our fraternity are offered solely on the basis of a man's character and personality.
We are not presenting these facts to try to justify our actions. We simply wish to illustrate that racism is not an issue within our house. Due to the fact that we are so relaxed and tolerant with our own diverse membership, some of our actions could be misinterpreted by other members of society as being insensitive to minority groups as a whole. That was the case with our party poster. Such an oversight will not happen again.
Although Sigma Phi Epsilon is a small segment of society, we feel that our fraternity represents the very type of harmonious existence that many minority groups are working so hard to achieve.
Richard McGrath, Jr. '90->
Jess Gaspar '90->
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity->
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