Homophobic slur mars house party

Author: Anthony Adragna

After being refused entrance to a private Tavern party on Nov. 3, a group of male students were heard stating a homophobic epithet in response, according to witnesses. The event is currently under investigation by the Department of Pubilc Safety.

President of Tavern Tim Reed '08 outlined his version of events.

"On Nov. 3, there was a members-only gathering at Tavern," Reed said. "It was not a party open to students who were not members of Omega Alpha. A group of non-member male students came to the door and wanted to come in, but we refused their entry. We asked them to leave repeatedly, and after 10 minutes they did. However, they came back and apparently made a homophobic comment because we refused their entrance again. They then left for the night. These students were never inside the house."

The incident renews memories of multiple instances of homophobia this past spring which led to town-style meetings in both McCullough Social Space and Ross Commons.

Reed said the students who uttered the epithet have since apologized for their actions.

"The students have been in contact with the people involved and with Omega Alpha and have apologized," he said.

Director of Public Safety Lisa Boudah acknowledged the incident had occurred but declined additional comment until an investigation had been completed.

Dean of the College Tim Spears also admitted the incident occurred but declined further comment.

Although unsure of details surrounding the incident, Spears condemned the alleged use of insensitive terms.

"Obviously, any use of epithets on this campus would be very concerning," he said.

Despite the incident's occurrence outside a party at Tavern, Reed does not believe the matter will go to Inter-House Council (IHC).

"This probably won't go to the IHC since the students involved, as far as I know, are not associated with a social house," he said.