UVa’s Inter-Fraternity Council has ruled that Zeta Phi members attending the Kappa Alpha Order Halloween party in blackface were engaging in expression protected under the First Amendment, and thus will not be charged with disorderly conduct. IFC did, however, condemn the behavior, saying that the partygoers had “an apparent historical blindness and lack of sensitivity,” recommending that the frats discipline and educate their members. The Post had the story yesterday.
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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I don’t feel it is appropriate to use the title "IFC Clears Blackface Party"
It was a Halloween party. Not a blackface party.
Yes, but it sounds much more dramatic this way, and the extra hype helps boost the perceived sensitivity.
Think of all the significant life-changing events that happened this week. None of them made it to this site. The news isn’t news if it isnt a juicy soap-opera type event.
I was visiting the UVA ER this week, and they told me a woman was TRAMPLED at wal-mart on friday. Thats our society in a nutshell if you ask me. Who cares about the sanctity of human life, we can get cheap televisions!
How much were the televisions?