Tufts University is warning fraternities and sororities that there will be “serious disciplinary sanctions” for anyone found wearing costumes that make anyone feel “threatened or unsafe” this Halloween.
In a letter to chapter presidents, the administration says Greek life in years past has been especially complicit in wearing costumes “that appropriate cultures and reproduce stereotypes on race, gender, sexuality, immigrant or socioeconomic status.”
But this year, the letter threatens, there will be “consequences for wearing an offensive costume.”
The letter relays a quote from Mary Pat McMahon, dean of Student Affairs, who says punishments for violations “could run a wide gamut depending on what is brought to our attention and the impact of these actions on others.”
“Any complaints will result in full investigation by the University officials and could result in serious disciplinary sanctions through Judicial Affairs,” Ms. McMahon said in the letter.
The letter, which was first reported by a group called Students Advocating for Students, also encourages students to turn in any classmates found to be wearing offensive outfits.
Tufts is just the latest university to take proactive steps to curb the scourge of distasteful dress this Halloween.
The University of Florida, for instance, set up a 24/7 crisis hotline for students to report offensive costumes that they see around campus this year.
The precautionary trend comes after the threat of obnoxious Halloween outfits sparked race protests at Yale last year, when a lecturer sent an email to students defending the right to wear provocative costumes.
The lecturer, Erika Christakis, and her husband, sociology professor Nicholas Christakis, both resigned in the wake of the scandal.
• Bradford Richardson can be reached at brichardson@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.