News

Dartmouth Greek Orgs Cancel Fundraiser Over Concerns Its Cultural Theme May Be Offensive

By

Two Greek organizations at Dartmouth College have canceled a fundraiser for cardiac care over concerns that the theme of the annual philanthropic event, "Phiesta," might be offensive, Campus Reform reported.

The event, planned for April 26 by the presidents of Alpha Phi sorority and Phi Delta Alpha fraternity, invited students and community members to enjoy virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris, chips and salsa, guacamole and burritos.

The proceeds of the event would have gone toward cardiac treatments, Campus Reform reported.

However, when third-year student Daniela Hernandez heard about the fundraiser she sent an email to Greek Letter Organizations and Societies, GLOS director Wes Schaub, Dean of the College Charlotte Johnson, the Office of Pluralism and Leadership and the Panhellenic Council raising concerns about racial insensitivity.

 "There are various problematic structures and ideologies regarding a Cinco de Mayo-inspired event, and I am sure that we, as a Dartmouth community, could learn from the extensive literature written about the Americanization of Cinco de Mayo and its construction as a drinking holiday in the United States, cultural appropriation and the inappropriate usage of cultural clothing, and the exploitation of groups of people and cultures for the sake of business opportunities," Hernandez said in an email to The Dartmouth

The "Mexican-born, United-States-raised, first-generation woman of color," said that while offended, she was not taken aback when she heard about the event.

"It was sadly unsurprising that a culturally-themed party was seen as a casual venture for such a privileged institution such as Dartmouth," she said. "I believe that social consciousness and cultural awareness is something that we need to work on as a community." 

Courtney Wong, president of Alpha Phi sorority, said concerns of the theme's cultural insensitivity were enough to cancel the event.

 "We take these concerns very seriously," Courtney Wong, president of Alpha Phi, told The Dartmouth. "And we want to make sure that we respect the diversity of the broader community." 

Phi Delta Alpha President Taylor Cathcart reiterated said he also supported canceling the event.

"We felt that the possibility of offending even one member of the Dartmouth community was not worth the potential benefits of having the fundraiser," Cathcart told The Dartmouth.

© 2024 University Herald, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join the Discussion
Real Time Analytics