LSU’s Kappa Alpha Fraternity’s “Old South Ball” will not take place at a plantation this year, said the national assistant executive director Jesse Lyons.
The “Old South Ball” is the fraternity’s formal event that takes place in the spring. Several members dress up in costumes similar to those worn in “Gone with the Wind.” Lyons said the chapter also decides where “Old South” will take place.
Vice President of Black Student Union Brent Chapuis said that he thinks the event is offensive.
“Just going back to a plantation and wearing the clothing of their supposive [sic] ancestors but it’s not a time that was great for everyone,” said Chapuis.
I contacted several KA members but they refused to comment and told me to contact the national chapter.
When contacted, Lyons said less than half of the KA chapters in the nation call their spring formal social events “Old South.” He also said the event does not support the theme of “Partying like its 1865.” He explained that the themed events began after set costumes were left over from the movie “Gone with the Wind.”
Another African American student named Willie Jone went to the fraternity house in person to ask questions about the event.
“I just feel like the Old South Ball is something that’s racially insensitive and if you can’t celebrate something without offending a group of people or minority then you shouldn’t be doing that at all,” Jones said.
At first members refused to talk, but then two members told him to contact the national chapter.
Lyons said KA members are also expected to follow the fraternity by-laws that ban the confederate flag, uniforms and other displays.
Lyons said The national chapter has been in touch with LSU’s Kappa Alpha Chapter. He said chapter leaders will meet with representatives to discuss KA’s activities and how they can be held while respecting the university and everyone on the campus.
The “Old South Ball” is the fraternity’s formal event that takes place in the spring. Several members dress up in costumes similar to those worn in “Gone with the Wind.” Lyons said the chapter also decides where “Old South” will take place.
Vice President of Black Student Union Brent Chapuis said that he thinks the event is offensive.
“Just going back to a plantation and wearing the clothing of their supposive [sic] ancestors but it’s not a time that was great for everyone,” said Chapuis.
I contacted several KA members but they refused to comment and told me to contact the national chapter.
When contacted, Lyons said less than half of the KA chapters in the nation call their spring formal social events “Old South.” He also said the event does not support the theme of “Partying like its 1865.” He explained that the themed events began after set costumes were left over from the movie “Gone with the Wind.”
Another African American student named Willie Jone went to the fraternity house in person to ask questions about the event.
“I just feel like the Old South Ball is something that’s racially insensitive and if you can’t celebrate something without offending a group of people or minority then you shouldn’t be doing that at all,” Jones said.
At first members refused to talk, but then two members told him to contact the national chapter.
Lyons said KA members are also expected to follow the fraternity by-laws that ban the confederate flag, uniforms and other displays.
Lyons said The national chapter has been in touch with LSU’s Kappa Alpha Chapter. He said chapter leaders will meet with representatives to discuss KA’s activities and how they can be held while respecting the university and everyone on the campus.
