Sorority gives "blackest member" award to white woman, then put on probation

Kent State University officials have placed the Chi Omega sorority on probation for giving a “blackest member” award to a white woman.

The sorority will not be able to hold social functions while officials investigate the incident, which occurred at a formal dinner-dance at the Student Center Ballroom on Saturday.

The president of Chi Omega's KSU chapter, marketing major Marisa Stroud, released a written statement to the media apologizing for the award. She declined to comment further or answer questions.

On Thursday, three sorority members met with black students and KSU administrators for an hour, according to Sasha Parker, president of Black United Students. Parker said the Chi Omega members told the group that the award- one of many bestowed that night- was a joke among friends, not a slap at black students.

Parker said she could accept that explanation, noting that the student who received the award brought a black date to the event. “We don't believe they're racist,'' she said. “We just think it's an insensitivity issue.”

The chapter could face disciplinary action as a result of the college administration's investigation. Greg Jarvie, dean of students and ombudsman, said the chapter could be suspended or lose its charter. Article here.