The Kappa Delta Indiana University (IU) chapter has apologised for hosting a homeless-themed party and promised that sensitivity training sessions will be held for the members and also offered community services.
The party, which was held recently, saw girls smudging fake dirt on their faces; sporting cut-off denim shorts, tank tops, dirty and plaid t-shirts and displaying cardboard placards with slogans such as, 'Give me a nickel and I'll tickle your pickle'; 'Why lie? It's for BOOZE. Homeless need $ and prayers' among others.
The details of the IU sorority party were made public when another Bloomington student disclosed pictures of the sorority sisters with blurred faces to an online magazine, 'Jezebel'.
The National Kappa Delta leaders expressed regret about the incident and placed the IU chapter on probation for hosting a party that mocked the homeless community and sparked controversy among the public.
"Our choice was a poor one. We knew that it was not acceptable and does not align with our values," House President Aubrey McMahon said.
"Our goal now is to ensure that the entire Greek community benefits and remembers that the community will not allow any type of cavalier joking of a serious issue," President Anjulia Urasky said. "We want the Greek members to understand the serious problem of the homeless in the country, especially in our own town of Bloomington."
Urasky said that people's behaviors, actions and works sometimes have bad consequences, which are occasionally unintended ones. She hoped that this incident makes people understand then even small error such as this can disrupt harmony among communities.
Bloomington has a high percentage of homeless population who are purportedly badly treated and ridiculed by students.
