While controversial theme parties similar to those at two U.S. universities have never occurred at ASU, University officials said they can't control students' off-campus behavior.
Students at Clemson University in South Carolina and Tarleton State University in Texas held theme parties that some students considered to be racist. Students advertised the parties as Martin Luther King Jr., celebrations.
Both parties featured attendees dressed in gang apparel drinking malt liquor. At Clemson, one student painted his face black, and at Tarleton, a student was dressed as Aunt Jemima, the maple syrup icon.
African-American organizations at both campuses complained that the theme parties were racist, whether the students meant them to be.
In each instance, university officials learned of the parties because pictures were posted on facebook.com, and they are investigating whether or not any students were harassed or there was underage drinking at the parties.
ASU officials do not specifically search social networking sites like facebook.com to observe student activities, said Sarah Auffret, assistant director of media relations.
But if questionable photos were brought to officials' attention an investigation would ensue, she added.
"It would be looked into," she said. "All students have a code of conduct to follow."
While ASU officials must approve all on-campus activities, if a party similar to the ones at Clemson and Tarleton State took place off campus, University officials would have no jurisdiction, Aufrett said.
"We have no control of what happens off campus," Auffret said.
Theme parties like those at the two universities are unfortunate circumstances that sometimes can't be avoided, undeclared freshman Zachary Baumann said.
"It's just a reality that racism still exists in many people," he said. "Appropriate measures have been made to end racism, but you can't change the hearts of peoples."
The events at Clemson and Tarleton could be considered racist, but were not likely intended to insult anyone, undeclared freshman Jestin Simon said.
"Young people are going to do what they're going to do," Simon said. "Even if you interfere, they'll find a way to do what they want."
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is investigating the matter at the two universities.
It is unfortunate students don't realize the extremity of their choices, Baumann said.
"I'm saddened by how lost they are," he said. "It brings sorrow to my heart to see depravity in the heart of man."
ASU officials hope that students act more maturely, Auffret said.
"We hope students behave like adults and be sensitive to each other," she said.
Reach the reporter at: gary.levison@asu.edu.
