A photo of members in Cal Poly’s Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity was posted on Old Row’s Twitter June 4. Members of the fraternity dressed in culturally-appropriated outfits and held guns in the photo. The post has since been removed and the fraternity has issued an apology.
According to AGR President Rhett Anderson, the fraternity never posted the photo and Anderson is unsure who submitted the photo to be published by Old Row.
“We as a Fraternity take full responsibility for the lack of regard taken when dressing up for this photograph … We would like to apologize if our photo has been misinterpreted as an attack or discriminative action,” the press release said.
The photo was online for approximately 24 hours before it was taken down.
After it was posted, the photo received attention on social media.
The university is aware of the photo but did not take action because the fraternity did not violate any code of conduct.
University Spokesperson Matt Lazier emailed Mustang News the following statement:
“Diversity and inclusivity are key components of Cal Poly’s educational mission. Creating a welcoming and enriching environment for all campus community members is both a longstanding priority and an ongoing effort for the university.
“University administration is aware of this photo showing members of a fraternity chapter posing for a photo in costumes at their chapter house off campus. Officials with the university’s greek life and Dean of Students offices have reached out to the chapter’s leaders to discuss the details of the image. The photo was reviewed for any possible conduct violations by the fraternity chapter and members, and no violations were identified.”