Colorado State fraternity faces backlash over racist banner

Colorado State University (CSU) is currently under fire following a disturbing incident involving a fraternity that displayed a banner depicting Uncle Sam in what appeared to be blackface, accompanied by the words “We want you to rush to Lambda Chi.” The incident sparked outrage among students and the broader community, highlighting ongoing issues of racism and cultural insensitivity in academia.

The incident takes place

The controversial banner was first spotted by CSU student Corey Valentine just before midnight on September 4. Valentine reported the incident to The Rocky Mountain Collegianan independent student-run newspaper. He described his disbelief upon seeing the banner, saying, “I drove around the road a few times and thought, ‘This can’t be up, this can’t be true.'” After confirming the banner’s presence, Valentine filed a “bias incident” report with the university.

Community Response

Valentine shared photos of the banner on social media, which quickly drew attention and criticism. Some commenters tried to downplay the situation, suggesting that the lighting created the illusion of a black face. However, this explanation was not enough to quell the outrage.

Later that day, Valentine and another student, Matthew Bishop, met with representatives from the university’s African American and Black Cultural Center and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to discuss the incident. When they returned to the fraternity house, they found the banner had been removed, but tensions escalated when fraternity members confronted them.

Threats and intimidation

During the confrontation, at least five fraternity members approached Valentine and Bishop, threatening legal action. One fraternity member demanded to know their names and suggested they call the police. Another tried to downplay the situation, claiming it was a misunderstanding related to the weather. However, accusations flew, with fraternity members claiming Valentine stole the flag and broke into their home.

Reports indicate that some fraternity members used racial slurs toward Valentine, further escalating the already tense situation. The incident was caught on camera, showing the fraternity members’ aggressive behavior.

University response

In light of the incident, Colorado State University has launched an investigation. A university spokesperson said, “The university stands as an inclusive space for all students and upholds the values ​​represented by the CSU Community Principles.” However, the national organization Lambda Chi has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

A History of Racism at the CSU

This isn’t the first time the University of Colorado has demonstrated racial insensitivity. In 2019, the university was criticized for failing to discipline students who posed as black people in a photo that circulated on social media. At the time, university President Joyce McConnell cited First Amendment rights as the reason for the lack of action.

Similarly, in 2018, a chapter of the Lambda Chi fraternity at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo faced backlash for racist caricatures of African Americans and Latinos, prompting protests from students.

Moving forward

As the investigation continues, CSU student organizations are rallying around Valentine, emphasizing their commitment to combating racism on campus. The Africans United board of directors condemned the fraternity’s actions, saying, “Such behavior is completely unacceptable and does not align with our values.” United Men of Color also released a statement affirming its commitment to creating safe spaces for all students.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by students of color at predominantly white institutions and the need for continued advocacy and education around cultural competency.