University of North Dakota sorority put on probation
Some students dressed as American Indians during party last fall

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – A University of North Dakota sorority has been put on probation in the wake of a party last fall in which some people dressed up as American Indians.

The Gamma Phi Beta sorority was put on probation by both the sorority's central office in Centennial, Colo., and by the UND dean of students office. That office will investigate a discrimination complaint filed against the sorority by American Indian students.

Internet photos from the November party showed female students wearing Indian dresses and feather headdresses, and some male students wearing loincloths made from T-shirts. Some wore red makeup on their faces and bodies.
Students associated with UND's American Indian Student Services house say the party was offensive and racially insensitive.

The sorority president at the time of the party has said it was held off campus and billed as a cowboy-themed party, but that the sorority had no control over how people chose to dress.

Cassie Gerhardt, UND's Greek life coordinator, said that when her office approved the party, it was labeled as a ``fun fall date party.''

The party was held at the Grand Forks Country Club, which the sorority rented for the occasion, said club manager Michael Delohery.

``We were contacted to rent the club for a fall dance, and we did,'' he said. ``If you were to ask me if we'd ever have them back, I'd say 'no.'''

While on probation, Gamma Phi will not be allowed to host or participate in social activities with other sororities and fraternities or with other student groups, either on or off campus, said Lillian Elsinga, UND's dean of students.
UND President Charles Kupchella said in a statement that the investigation most likely will involve ``several groups at several levels,'' and that ``Appropriate action will be taken at the conclusion of the review.''

Elsinga would not speculate on what type of penalty the sorority might face.

The portrayal of American Indians is a sensitive topic at UND because of the controversy surrounding the school's Fighting Sioux nickname and Indian head logo.

Under an agreement with the NCAA late last year that settled a lawsuit filed by UND, the university will retire the nickname and logo in three years if it cannot get the support of the Sioux tribes in North Dakota.