Tea and crumpets is a no-go.
Via Campus Reform:
Student senators at the University of Washington-Seattle recently introduced a bill that would require fraternities to prevent “cultural appropriation” during social gatherings.
If passed, the “Resolution in Support for a More Culturally Aware Greek Community” would mandate that Greek organizations “formally establish preventative strategies for eliminating acts of cultural appropriation” on campus.
The legislation was drafted by Cassie Sigua, a UW senior and a lead lobbyist for the UW Pacific Islander Student Commission.
In an interview with Campus Reform, Sigua said the bill is necessary because many “mainstream [fraternity] celebrations further perpetuate stereotypes minority groups have to face,” adding that they contribute to the “harm that minority students face” on campus.
When fraternity members commit cultural appropriation, “the meaning of the objects that are so sacred to students’ cultural heritage become obscured or tainted,” she continued. “Elements simply become a mainstream fashion or festivity that you can celebrate.”
The party review process the resolution seeks to implement would require fraternities to consider whether “the festivities further promote stereotypes of a minority group,” and also whether they are using “any symbols or representations from a cultural heritage.”