SACRAMENTO, Calif.—
California state legislatures are demanding a swift investigation into the "Compton cookout" party planned by University of California San Diego students.Members of the California state legislature held a news conference Thursday in regards to the "ghetto-themed" party that took place last weekend in San Diego. In the invitation, planners said they were throwing it to "honor black history month."
California Assemblyman who represents Compton, democratic representative for the 52nd district Isadore Hall III, spoke at the news conference. His district was satirized in the UCSD students' invitation.
"I stand here today united with fellow legislative leaders, in publicly condemning those responsible for these acts of hate," said Hall. "My constituents, people throughout California and across the nation, have contacted me sharing their outrage that here we are in 2010, during black history, college educated kids at one of the finest public universities in California could be responsible for such a hurtful and blatant act of racism, sexism and hate."
Hall described the invitation as hurtful and blatant racism, "It contained about every inflammatory, derogatory, racist and negative stereotype of African Americans that I can think of."
Members of San Diego's legislative contingent also spoke.
"Believe me, I am deeply saddened and angry that this is happened in San Diego, in my city," said Senator Christine Kehoe, the democratic representative for the 39th district. "I believe this kind of activity does not reflect the value and attitudes of San Diegans, or the UCSD community."
Invitations to the party were sent via the social networking site Facebook. Under the description, administrators referred to black history month and wrote, "in hopes of showing respect, you are invited to the first 'Compton Cookout'." Guys were asked to wear jerseys, Fubu, chains and other items. Women were asked to appear as "ghetto chicks" described as wearing gold teeth, bad weaves, nappy hair and talking loud.
The University is conducting an investigation into the party, amid allegations that it was thrown by fraternities associated with the school.
"I don't want these organizations to merely apologize for their actions, I want names," said Hall. "I want these individuals and these organizations to understand that this racist and sexist behavior will not be tolerated here in California."
One of the fraternities alleged to be involved, Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), has issued a statement on its website. In it, the president said his organizations was not involved and apologized for the display of ignorance and error-of-judgment made by any individual members who may have attended. Of the four boys whose names appear under the admin section of the invitation, one is a member of Pike. Another is a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.
University administrators are planning a 2-hour teach-in for next week and plans for a "Not in our Community" campaign. Compton's assemblyman said it is not enough.
"We sit in history classes all day at the University," said Hall. "We have teach-ins every single day. We need action and we're not going to band aid this by having a sit-in."
