Baylor sorority member wears black mask to ‘goth’ party, outrage ensues

‘It was not painted [on], but obviously that’s still a horrible look’

A Baylor University sorority recently caused a bit of an uproar when one of its members wore a black mask to its annual new-member “goth” party.

Not blackface, mind you — a black mask (pictured). At a goth–themed party.

The Baylor Lariat, describes the Kappa Kappa Gamma member’s accessory as a “black purge mask” (it links to a Party City “basic black mask“), and notes she was told “multiple times” to remove it.

An anonymous Kappa Kappa Gamma member critical of the mask said “It was not painted [on], but obviously that’s still a horrible look […] of course, she didn’t wake up and was like, ‘I’m going to be racist at this event,’ but that’s what it was.”

At a meeting following the event, members were told “to delete all photos and videos” associated with the party: “Just act like basically this didn’t happen. Just like deny everything.”

(The Lariat links to a Reddit thread where party photos had been posted, but are all now deleted.)

In a statement, the sorority said it “recognizes that any incident in which a member of our chapter has caused harm is unacceptable.” It added it “values diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within our membership and we actively encourage members to promote and demonstrate an understanding of these values at all times.”

The anonymous member said the statement is insufficient as such incidents “keep happening.” She alleged Kappa Kappa Gamma keeps getting away with it because it just gets “a slap on the wrist.”

“[A]dmitting they were wrong kind of opens up discussion and more forgiveness rather than sweeping it under the rug,” the member said.

University spokesperson Lori Fogleman said the mask was “hurtful and inconsistent with Christian beliefs and the values we share as a caring Christian community.” She added Baylor would conduct a “thorough investigation” and “hold individuals and organizations accountable” if necessary.