The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. held a racial reconciliation forum, entitled "Partying While White," before a packed audience in Maury Hall yesterday in response to a party held by some architecture students and the ensuing backlash it caused.
Panelists included Dean M. Rick Turner of the Office of African-American Affairs, Kelli Palmer, a graduate student representative from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority life, third-year College student Tim Lovelace and Cavalier Daily columnists Kimberly Liu, Anthony Dick and Laura Parcells. Teddy Nelson, one of the Architecture School students who held the "Medallion Party" on March 1 also attended.
The party offended several organizations within the University, including the Griot Society, because some found the language of the e-mail advertising the party, as well as the party itself, distasteful and racist.
Nelson apologized to members of the panel and the audience for the party.
"We have wished this party never happened," he said.
He explained that the incident was a failure in judgment.
"I want to make it as clear as possible that the party was not affiliated with the School of Architecture, and that it was never our intent to depict or mock the black community in any way," Nelson said.
Kenneth Schwartz, associate professor of architecture, emphasized the school's involvement and interest in racial issues.
"Change is fundamental to the idea of a university," Schwartz said. "I believe in change, and I look forward to the change this evening might support."
Palmer spoke about race-based fraternity parties at Auburn University, the University of Louisville and the University of Mississippi, and how officials at the universities disciplined the offending parties.
A discussion period followed the panelists' opening statements, in which Darin Simmons, Iota Phi Theta fraternity Inc. president, invited students to offer commentary and questions.
"I'm ignorant on a lot of things, but I don't write articles on them," said Bokar Ture, vice president of the Griot Society. "You have to become educated about people of an African descent."
But, Dean Turner exhorted blacks to educate themselves.
"Most white folks are not going to change. It's black people that need to change," Turner said.
"You're moaning and groaning, saying you are tired of talking about race. You can't be tired. You have not done anything," he said.
"You need to continue to read, and become more knowledgeable about yourself. You're going to be black all your life, so don't shy away from it," he added.
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