After the University’s chapter of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity made national news for its banner mocking the 1970 Kent State massacre, LSU is working with the fraternity’s local and national leaders to determine the best course of action.
The sign, hung before Saturday’s football game against Kent State read, “Getting massacred is nothing new to Kent St.,” and was immediately taken down when the LSU Police Department visited the house after receiving a complaint.
“LSU certainly does not condone this insensitive behavior and poor judgment by the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity,” the University said in a statement Monday. “LSU officials have spoken with the fraternity and believe that the students now understand the gravity of their actions.”
University Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard said there are ongoing conversations between the University and national and local fraternity leaders.
Additionally, Alumni Association of the Zeta Zeta Chapter of DKE issued this statement:
“In consultation with the national office of DKE and the university, we are looking into the actions of the active chapter and will take appropriate disciplinary action. The chapter has already apologized to the Kent State community and is working with the alumni, national headquarters and the University to establish safeguards to ensure something like this doesn’t happen in the future.”
The University’s chapter of the fraternity issued an apology Sunday.
“We hope that the Kent State community can forgive our action and accept our sincere apologies. We apologize not only to the community of Kent State, but also to those who were personally affected by this tragedy in American history.”