Vanderbilt suspends Concert Choir after racist party theme

A screenshot of Vanderbilt University Concert Choir’s end of year party, themed “Thugs Thots Mugs n Shots” circulated campus Wednesday, sparking outrage

By Sam Zern and Rachel Friedman

Mar 20, 2019

On Wednesday, a screenshot for a Vanderbilt Concert choir private party titled “Thugs Thots Mugs n Shots” circulated Vanderbilt, leading to widespread condemnation. Due to the racist nature of the party, the university suspended the organization, according to an email from the Provost Susan Wente and Vice Chancellor James Page. The incident is being investigated by the Title IX and Student Discrimination Office.

Screenshots of a racist themed VUCC event circulated Vanderbilt on Wednesday. The Hustler was sent these images from students in the groupchats in which they circulated.

“The university was made aware today of a planned campus event – a party to be hosted by a registered student organization – that had a theme and promotional materials that were racist, sexist and blatantly offensive and degrading to African Americans and to women,” the email said.

VUCC deleted the Facebook event page. The description of the event, which was scheduled for March 29, included language referencing mugshots, tattoos, and other explicit references, and the event image was a photograph of a black male.

VUCC has not responded to The Hustler’s request for comment.

The university email also included a list of resources that students affected by the incident could turn to, including the University Counseling Center, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the Dean of Students, among others. The full text of the university’s email is included below:

Dear Vanderbilt community,

The university was made aware today of a planned campus event – a party to be hosted by a registered student organization – that had a theme and promotional materials that were racist, sexist and blatantly offensive and degrading to African Americans and to women.

This type of activity violates our expectations for respectful engagement by our registered student organizations, and is inconsistent with Vanderbilt’s values of fostering a campus community that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, safe and welcoming to all.

As such, Vanderbilt has suspended the organization as a registered student organization pending an investigation by the university’s Title IX and Student Discrimination Office.

We recognize that many on our campus and in our community are understandably upset by this incident, as are we. This type of behavior is reprehensible and we continue to actively investigate this matter.

We encourage you to seek help through the campus resources below should you need support.

Sincerely,

Susan R. Wente
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

James Page
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Chief Diversity Officer

*The Hustler will continue to update this story as we learn more. For individuals interested in sharing their reactions, please reach out to Rachel Friedman at [email protected] or Sam Zern at [email protected].

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About the Contributors

Sam Zern, Former Managing Editor

Sam Zern ('20) has been a member of The Vanderbilt Hustler since her freshman year, first as a staff writer and shortly after as assistant campus editor. She went on to be campus editor and, later, editor in chief. In her senior year at Vanderbilt, Sam was managing editor and streamlined recruitment and training processes.

In her time as a member of the editorial board, she has prioritized diversity and breadth in coverage, wanting to make sure as much of Vanderbilt as possible is represented in the paper. Outside of The Hustler, she studies education policy and sociology and has worked as a journalist for local publications in Austin and Nashville. She plans to pursue a career in journalism (and will gladly take any and all advice!)

Connect with Sam: [email protected] Personal website Twitter LinkedIn

Rachel Friedman, Former Editor in Chief

Rachel Friedman was a student in the College of Arts & Science who studied history and mathematics. Before serving as Editor in Chief, Rachel was the Campus Editor of The Hustler. You can reach her at [email protected].

Comments (3)

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Bradley Brown

5 years ago

Here’s the issue. Someone can try to redefine “thug” all they want for their own purposes, whether they think it’s a joke or not. Unfortunately, that has already happened with the word “thug.” It has been used as shorthand for black, male criminals for years by people who want to be racist without appearing racist. I’m sorry that this is inconvenient for the people who were organizing this party at a predominantly white, expensive private school. I am curious (legitimately) what the black members of the Concert Choir think. Even if they were part of the planning and felt the theme was “funny”, does a party like this “promote an open social environment for students from any background”, as the Concert Choir website quotes as part of its mission? Is it respectful in any way, shape, or form to make fun of people who have been arrested and their situations, or classify women in costume as whores?

Also, are the above commenters members of the Choir? Is “raciest” a word?

Joanna Doe (Jane's older cousin)

I have to agree with Jane Doe. There is nothing racist, sexist or any other ist about this party theme. Just another bending the simple facts session brought on by the PC police to squash free speech and the right to assemble. Have it off campus and a big middle finger salute to those who can’t have a sense of fun and humor.

-1

Jane Doe

It’s a shame that I have to respond under an alias. But there is nothing racist about this party or theme. The mugshot is a popular one, Thugs and Thots come in all races. Would there be outrage if the mugshot was of a white person? I think outdated, disconnected administrators need to stop putting their raciest ideas on the students. The concert choir is not raciest and neither is this party theme.