Universities have always been a place where free thinking, freedom of expression is supported. Academic institutions have always been a place to learn and expand the concepts of tolerance and promote community. However, when student organizations use this privilege to offend and humiliate other cultures and or race under the guise of "recreational activities", serious actions must be taken. Penn State University is an institution that is held in the highest regard as a leading academic institution in the United States. As such, the student body is a reflection of those values and morals reflected in this code and standard. Chi Omega Sorority, one of the largest women's fraternal organizations in the world with over 310,000 initiates and 174 collegiate chapters, is that reflection of the student body at Penn State University. This organization touts to be an intergenerational women's organization forever committed to their founding purposes of friendship, personal integrity, service to others, academic excellence and intellectual pursuits, community and campus involvement, personal and career development. It is unfortunate however; this woman's organization saw it fit to have "themed" parties where they racially targeted Mexicans through the display of offensive and derogatory actions; by wearing signs which claim to link drug use to Mexicans, lack of green cards, the mimicking of jumping border activities and the like. This overall insensitivity and lack of respect for the Mexican and Latino community as a whole is direct violation of the code and standard set forth by Penn State University. It is therefore our request to make the following claims against Chi Omega Sorority at Penn State University; Whereas, Chi Omega Sorority violated the Constitution and By-laws of The Pennsylvania State University Interfraternity Council, Section 5. Where the policy states "Bias Motivated Offenses (Hate Crimes) Policy The Interfraternity Council does not tolerate or condone any form of bias motivated behavior on the part of its members, in any capacity. Any inappropriate actions, activities, or events that are motivated by bias, whether they occur on Chapter premises or at an off-site location, will be treated seriously. Whereas, Bias Motivated Offense shall be defined as: “An action that involves threats, harassment, verbal abuse, property damage, graffiti, bullying, or physical harm and is motivated by prejudice against someone’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, class, social status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/ expression, or physical or mental disability. A bias motivated offense occurring by any member of an Interfraternity Council Chapter and/or occurring in a Chapter house shall be cause for disciplinary action at the discretion of the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board as well as notification of Judicial Affairs and appropriate law enforcement agencies." Whereas, Chi Omega Sorority of Penn State University should be sanctioned and receive a Social Suspension according to The Pennsylvania State University Division of Student Affairs Union and Student Activities - Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life guideline. Whereas, a "Social Suspension" is defined by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life as "All fraternity or sorority social privileges are revoked for a specified period of time, which include but are not limited to participating in, hosting, or co-/sponsoring social functions (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)." Now, therefore through this petition we beseech President Erickson at Penn State University to Socially Suspend and revoke the charter for Chi Omega Sorority at Penn State University. Contact Information: President Rodney Erickson President’s Office The Pennsylvania State University 201 Old Main University Park, PA 16802 Email: president@psu.edu Telephone: 814-865-7611 Fax: 814-863-8583