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Announcement/News

Extension of Statement Regarding Alpha Delta Pi’s Kappa Chapter at Samford University.

From Grand Council and Constituents

Click here for our statement on Kappa Chapter at Samford University.

On behalf of Kappa Chapter: "We extend our sincere apologizes for our mistake. In selecting the t-shirt, we failed to focus on the specific images in the design. We are horrified by our oversight. Had we recognized what the design details depicted, we would never have purchased the shirts. Upon discovering our serious error, we immediately informed our members not to wear the shirts and are in the process of collecting them all so they can be destroyed. We are committed to ensuring this never happens again."

Click here for the apology from the vendor, South by Sea.

Click here for a statement from Samford University President Dr. Andrew Westmoreland.

5/16/16 Update: An initial investigation by Alpha Delta Pi has learned that the chapter found the shirt design online; they did not create or take part in designing the map in any way. The shirt vendor has also come forward to acknowledge that while the university did send the rejection notice to them, the vendor failed to notify the chapter of the rejection due to a clerical error. The chapter was not made aware of the problem with the design, and believed the design to be approved; the vendor moved ahead with printing the shirts. Clearly the responsibility for this grave situation lies first and foremost with the chapter; they have readily taken responsibility for their role, and have also met with NPHC members on campus to share their sincere remorse. Alpha Delta Pi will continue to investigate and provide updates as they become available, and will take appropriate actions at the conclusion of our investigation. 

 

5/13/16 Update: "We are deeply disappointed in the choices made by the Samford chapter and add our sincerest apologies to those expressed by the chapter. The shirt design should never have been selected, and the shirt should never have been made or distributed. We have commenced our internal due process and standards procedure which includes a thorough investigation. At the conclusion of that process, we will determine next steps." Stacy Bruton, Alpha Delta Pi International President

 

5/13/16 Samford University Alpha Delta Pi Chapter Statement: "We extend our sincere apologizes for our mistake. In selecting the t-shirt, we failed to focus on the specific images in the design. We are horrified by our oversight. Had we recognized what the design details depicted, we would never have purchased the shirts. Upon discovering our serious error, we immediately informed our members not to wear the shirts and are in the process of collecting them all so they can be destroyed. We are committed to ensuring this never happens again." Kappa Chapter President

 

5/13/16 Alpha Delta Pi Statement: "The shirt design absolutely contradicts the values of respect and dignity that our organization prides itself on. We do not tolerate, and would never intentionally approve any design with racial stereotypes/overtones or any other offensive images or language. This situation highlights for all our chapters the importance of attention to detail. We are working on proposed enhancements to our chapters' design approval processes to prevent this kind of oversight from ever happening again, and hope that this will serve as a learning opportunity for all our members." Stacy Bruton, Alpha Delta Pi, International President

 

 

Published: May 13, 2016