A UCLA fraternity and sorority are currently under investigation for throwing a Kanye West-themed party where students wore blackface, sparking a protest by other students.
According to the LA Times, hundreds of UCLA students crammed into Chancellor Gene Block's office chanting "Black Bruins Matter" and holding signs that read "Our culture is not a costume." Kelsee Thomas of the black student union also spoke out stating that the events were a "mockery of black culture."
The students who attended the party also wore baggy clothes, plumped lips and the females impersonated the Kardashians by wearing padded bottoms. Many other students who saw the partygoers deemed their outfits as offensive and racially insensitive.
CBS Los Angeles reported that the party, hosted by the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Alphi Phi sorority on Tuesday night, has resulted in several student groups calling on the University to take action. UCLA responded by releasing the statement, "We are concerned about these allegations and earnestly working to gather information about what occurred, talking to all those involved. While we do not yet have all the facts, the alleged behavior is inconsistent with good judgment as well as our principles of community."
Activities for the fraternity and sorority have been temporarily suspended. Sigma Phi Epsilon issued a statement regarding the incident but so far Alphi Phi sorority has yet to speak on the matter.
Photos from the party have also since emerged on social media, prompting the emergence of the hashtag #BlackBruinsMatter on Instagram and Twitter.