University of Maryland investigates racist email, fraternity member suspended

USPA News - The University of Maryland is investigating an email that was sent by a Kappa Sigma fraternity member last year containing racist and sexually suggestive language. The individual in question has since resigned as a member of the fraternity.

The email, dated January 2014, was sent to six people and included vulgar language and racial slurs when referring to African-American, Indian, and Asian women and alludes to raping women during Rush Week, according to media reports. In a statement, University of Maryland President Wallace Loh called the message "vulgar" and stressed that the email "expresses views that are reprehensible to our campus community." He said an investigation is now underway, led by the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct. "We are in contact with the University chapter of Kappa Sigma and they have taken swift and decisive action in this matter,” Loh said. "At their request, the University has committed to provide educational training on diversity and respect for the entire fraternity.” In a separate statement, Kappa Sigma said the individual was immediately suspended after the email surfaced, and the individual in question has since submitted a letter of resignation to the fraternity. A statement from University of Maryland Wallace Loh is copied below, followed by a statement from Kappa Sigma Fraternity. STARTS An Important Statement from President Wallace Loh On Tuesday, March 10, 2015, the University of Maryland became aware of an email dated January 2014, 15 months ago. The vulgar language in the email expresses views that are reprehensible to our campus community. We immediately met with the individual involved and a University investigation is currently underway, led by the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct. We are in contact with the University chapter of Kappa Sigma and they have taken swift and decisive action in this matter. At their request, the University has committed to provide educational training on diversity and respect for the entire fraternity. The University of Maryland remains committed to our core values of respect for human dignity, diversity, and inclusiveness. We are deeply saddened by the impact this email is having on our community. Sincerely, Wallace D. Loh President University of Maryland ENDS Statement from Kappa Sigma Fraternity: STARTS Statement Regarding Email Sent by University of Maryland Student Kappa Sigma Fraternity was just made aware of an email sent some 14 months ago by a University of Maryland student to six other individuals containing racially and sexually suggestive language. At the time of the incident, this individual was an undergraduate member of Kappa Sigma. Upon learning of the email, the individual was immediately suspended, pending an investigation. The individual subsequently submitted a letter of resignation from Kappa Sigma. The undergraduate chapter at the University of Maryland is also presently engaging in proceedings to formally expel the individual from Kappa Sigma. The language and views expressed in the email were inexcusable and are in stark contrast to the values of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. They are counter to everything Kappa Sigma stands for. This action by a single individual is in no way representative of the culture or diversity of Kappa Sigma’s chapter at the University of Maryland, nor the character of the general fraternity’s nearly 20,000 undergraduate and more than 220,000 living alumni members. While clearly unfortunate, Kappa Sigma Fraternity was glad to see the swift and decisive action being taken by its chapter at the University of Maryland. The fraternity is unable to comment on any further details, as they pertain to an ongoing investigation and a matter of individual membership discipline. ENDS.