Fraternity Accused of Taping Swastika on Black Student's Car
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.
A University of New Mexico fraternity accused of duct-taping a swastika on a Black student's car has been placed on emergency suspension.
University administrators say they placed the Sigma Chi chapter on suspension and that the rights, privileges, charter and affiliation with UNM are at stake.
According to a police report, 19-year-old Candace Majedi parked her car in a Sigma Chi parking lot one morning last month.
The UNM sophomore said she knew she had parked illegally but she was in a hurry to get to class and was willing to pay any resulting fine.
She returned that afternoon and saw at least 10 young men putting duct tape on the roof of her car, the report said. All but one ran into or behind the Sigma Chi house as Majedi approached.
A threatening note was also taped to the window and gum was jammed into the lock, the police report said.
Following the incident, the Sigma Chi chapter issued a statement apologizing for "conduct that was inappropriate and offensive. The chapter deeply regrets this lack of sensitivity and does not support, nor does it foster an attitude of racism or hatred," the statement said.
More than 200 students protested outside the fraternity house.
A hearing will determine whether the students will get a warning or be expelled from school. The fraternity is being investigated by UNM police and has been put on a 45-day suspension by the national Sigma Chi organization.
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