On behalf of the brothers of the Hopkins chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, I would like to address some of the controversy surrounding our annual Halloween party. We are extremely sorry that the brother in charge of social events did not ensure that the language or decorations involved in the party or its promotion could not be misconstrued. Even more disturbing, the chapter as a whole neglected to examine more closely this former brother's invitation.
We would like to stress that there was never any intent to offend anyone, on our part or that of the former brother, and we would like to apologize to all who were hurt. It is our sincere hope that the community, especially our fellow students, accept our apology and recognize our genuine desire to aid in the healing process.
The JHU chapter of Sigma Chi, from its inception, has prided itself on the diversity of its membership in terms of temperaments, talents and convictions, as well as races, creeds and ethnicities. Since its founding two and a half years ago, Sigma Chi has initiated 27 non-white members and 40 white members, a ratio nearly identical to the student body as a whole.
Our members are very much a part of the community and strive to make it better by participating in community outreach programs. These include the Tutorial Project and Balticorps, which directly aid inner-city youth. Brothers have also been active in Habitat for Humanity, building homes for the community and raising money for development projects.
This incident, as well as the questionable actions and methods of the Black Student Union (BSU) and the administration, have affected the chapter deeply. The fraternity has been wracked with the expulsion of a close friend and brother, the scrutiny of the media and a determined attack on our reputation. While much of the focus has been placed on the injury to the BSU and others, the impact on the Fraternity has been largely ignored. Post-Halloween meetings and phone calls with deans, directors, lawyers, alumni and others have made it nearly impossible for any of the leaders of the fraternity to go to even a fraction of our classes, let alone glance at homework.
The anxiety about academics, however, is secondary to the emotional turbulence surrounding the fraternity. National, allegations of racism have been enormously damaging. Brothers have seen family and friends question their integrity, while strangers have outright denied it and harassed them.
The behavior of the BSU throughout this incident has been disingenuous. Their actions not only consumed the lives of 27 men, but also endangered those of us residing in the fraternity house, compelling us to accept an offer of 24/7 surveillance by Hopkins security outside the house as well as temporary on-campus housing. The BSU has also shown little concern for many of the pertinent facts. The alleged "gunshot noises" were fireworks, completely unrelated to the party, while the "bullet-hole decorations" were presumably a reference to a preexisting collection of fist-holes, bottle-holes and so forth left by partygoers -- thank you, class of `10.
I am dismayed that the BSU, an organization that in recent weeks has talked with so much conviction about diversity, would seek to attack one of the most diverse organizations on campus. It calls into question the BSU's true intent: is it to unite the campus around the issues of diversity and inclusion, or is it to bask in the spotlight? Sigma Chi, despite how overwhelmed its brothers have been, has done everything it can to help our community heal. We have purposely tried to shrug off the attention, hoping to divert it to the greater issue of diversity. I know that many of my peers recognize Sigma Chi's overwhelmingly positive contributions, however, a select few have worked, in a concerted effort, to undermine our credibility and create antagonism and division on campus. I call on my fellow students to stand against this kind of behavior that knowingly and purposely drives us apart.
It is also disappointing that the University would be so frightened as to proclaim us guilty until proven innocent, ignoring the fundamental tenets of impartial research in which it takes such pride. During our first meeting, administration officials thrust black-and-white images of 1850s lynchings in my face, and insisted my actions could not constitute anything but blatant racism. I hope that in our Conduct Board hearing today we will receive a more rational and fair judgment.
Lars Trautman is a senior political science and economics major from from Concord, Mass. He is the Vice President of Sigma Chi.