NORTON, Mass. – A Wheaton College student wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume was apparently covered up be members of the women’s soccer team, and as a result the school is not allowing them to continue their season.
The suspension of the team’s season was announced Thursday afternoon by college president Dennis Hanno.
“A Wheaton student chose to wear blackface as part of a racist and offensive Halloween costume, and the incident raises difficult issues for all of us,” Hanno said in a letter posted online.
The Sun Chronicle has identified the student as a member of the soccer team, but the college has not confirmed that to Boston 25 News. A photo submitted to the Sun Chronicle shows the student dressed as a character from the movie "White Chicks".
“I am particularly dismayed that this student did not act alone, but was part of a group of other individuals who actively participated in this event and then attempted to cover it up,” he said.
The team was set to participate in the NEWMAC tournament this weekend at MIT.
“The team recognizes this is the right decision and accepts the outcome. This action is separate from, and will not replace, the student conduct hearing process involving specific individuals now underway,” Hanno said.
According to Hanno, the Halloween party at which the student wore blackface as part of a costume took place last weekend.
“Despite the many educational programs that Wheaton offers to encourage an inclusive environment, it is clear that we are falling short,” Hanno said.
[ Read the full letter from Dennis Hanno on the Wheaton College website. ]
TOP STORIES:
[ Police: 5 doses of Narcan needed to revive overdosing man in Chelsea ]
[ 37.8 million Kidde fire extinguishers recalled; 1 death reported ]
[ New arrest records released for suspected NH serial killer ]