As a member of an IFC fraternity myself, I am appalled at the behavior publicly displayed by the men of Lambda Chi Alpha at California Polytechnic University. Not only did they dishonor their values and morals as fraternity men, but they also offended an entire community that has fought for racial equality for decades—the Black community. 

In April 2018, Kyler Watkins painted his face entirely black before going to his fraternity’s themed party. At a university where Black people constitute less than 1% of the student population, you can quickly see how problematic this was. Close to 400 protesters marched through campus in the following days, begging university officials to take notice of their outrage.  

Shockingly, the Lambda Chi Alpha organization was merely put on a “probationary suspension,” limiting its social activities and larger events.

I am asking that you sign this petition to hold these members accountable for something larger than a simple suspension. This petition is going directly to Elizabeth Aiello-Coppola, the IFC advisor/coordinator at Cal Poly. Let’s demand that she removes Lambda Chi Alpha from the university's Interfraternity Council immediately. 

Regardless of the outcome, the fraternity and sorority life staff at the university will have a deep understanding that this societal issue still exists heavily on their campus. Yet with a successful petition, justice will be served to the Black community.