Clemson partygoers, offended students hold 'emotional' meeting
Associated Press
CLEMSON, S.C. - About 15 Clemson University students involved in an off-campus party some considered offensive because white students mocked black stereotypes apologized during an emotional meeting between partygoers and those offended.
The party, held during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, featured white students who drank malt liquor and at least one partygoer wore black face. Pictures from the party were posted online.
The Wednesday meeting, which was closed to the media, was "intense and emotional," according to Gail DiSabatino, vice president for student affairs.
One by one, the students stood in front of about 200 people and apologized.
"Some people really recognized the courage that it took," DiSabatino said. There was discussion, there were tears, "and eventually there was hugging," DiSabatino said.
Clemson junior Ranniece McDonald said the meeting was productive and apologies were sincere "for the most part." She hopes the issue won't be dropped.
"They didn't know that they were being racist. It's really sad," said McDonald, who is black. "We want to come together now in this light and educate each other."
The university organized the meeting between the partygoers and those who considered it offensive.
"It's rare that a campus would take that risk for fear of it blowing up," DiSabatino said. "We believed in our students. They really worked it out for themselves."
Two forums will be scheduled next week, one for students who may not have been directly involved, and the other for faculty and staff to more aggressively address issues of race and sensitivity, DiSabatino said.
The school also has said it is investigating whether students were harassed or whether there was underage drinking.
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