Controversy surrounds November sorority party

The Gamma Phi Beta Sorority house became the subject of pubic criticism late last week, when photos of partygoers surfaced on the Internet showing them dressed in crude mock-ups of American Indian attire.

The party took place in November 2007, but the consequences of the night are now just coming to light.

The sorority was placed on social suspension earlier this week, essentially prohibiting them from engaging in most activities with other organizations both on campus and off.

In a statement released by Gamma Phi Beta International based in Centennial, Colo., the organization said, "Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority sincerely regrets the recently-reported actions involving chapter members at the University of North Dakota. We realize that the actions of the chapter demonstrate the need for greater chapter education about diversity and personal dignity."

Since that time, a formal discrimination complaint has been delivered to university officials.

University President Charles Kupchella released a statement on Monday stating, "All of the facts having to do with this incident will be gathered and considered - most likely by several groups at several levels of review. Appropriate action will be taken at the conclusion of the review."

According to information provided by the sorority's headquarters, the organization currently claims 117 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, with more than 150.000 active members and alumnae worldwide.

In the statement provided by the group, "Gamma Phi Beta sorority has been a proud member of the University of North Dakota community for 88 years. The sorority expects that its chapter members' actions in the future will contribute positively to the University of North Dakota community and will reflect the values and standards of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and the University of North Dakota."

What the future holds for the group remains unclear. According to UND's Panhellenic Council bylaws, "Events that promote profanity, sexual imposition, degradation, etc. will not be tolerated; events of this nature include, but are not limited to: videos, poems, skits, scavenger hunts, etc. The Greek Advisor of member of PHC/IFC shall determine what constitutes if an event is questionable. If a chapter holds an event that promotes any of the above intolerable events, they will be brought before the Judicial Board."