LOS ANGELES -- FEBRUARY 8, 2008 -- A recent party hosted by the students at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif. was merely intended to help weary students blow off some steam, get their minds off exams and deadlines. The last thing organizers expected was a proposed boycott and tongue lashing by Dean of Students Debra Wood.
A flier advertising the “White Party” was declared both racist and sexist by the Dean, herself a lawyer and mother of three. The invitation, approved by 2010 Class President Isayas Theodros, an African-American, depicts the party’s host DJ Timbo in a 70s white leisure suit flanked by two go-go dancers. Many may also be familiar with the yearly event hosted by rapper P. Diddy, also called the White Party, where all guests are required to wear white. Author Truman Capote also once hosted New York society's most anticipated event: the Black and White Ball.
So what’s all the fuss? Apparently a lot.
“I saw it as a celebration of music with a throw back to the Studio 54 era style,” says Tim Scarne, aka DJ Timbo, “I thought it was sexy but tasteful.”
In an angry email fired off to the entire student body by Woods, she encouraged other administrators to “take a similar stand against racism and sexism and communicate their anger and dismay to the CMC Class of 2010.”
Upon meeting Scarne, the last word that comes to mind is “controversial.” The 33-year-old San Fernando Valley resident, married to his grammar school sweetheart, now seeks an apology from the Dean.
“I'm concerned that if she doesn't respond, that she stands on her ground that I'm a racist, and I am not,” he says. “Isn’t this person supposed to known about Constitutional law and libel?”
Apparently the 1,000+ students who enjoyed the party were not offended by the fliers, the party or any of it and would like administrators to let them make up their own minds on what is racist. That’s what college is all about.
For further information, please contact:
Karen Ammond- Publicist - kbcmedia@att.net
