Homecoming party gets out of hand
Oct. 24, 2006
Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity member Yule Owens, fraternity President Kernef Jackson and fraternity member Matt Whitener conduct a meeting at Ellis Library on Monday night. The meeting was held to discuss a party that ended prematurely as a result of intoxicated attendees and alleged sexual harassment.
Missouri House of Representatives candidate Russell Breyfogle answers a question Wednesday night during a forum hosted by the MU College Democrats. Breyfogle is running for the democratic nomination for Columbia Rep. Vicky Riback Wilson’s seat.
Graduate student Dneya Udtaisuk plays a Thai instrument called the “kim” at the international bazaar in Memorial Union on Wednesday. Udtaisuk is a member of the Thai Student Association.
Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity is refunding ticket-holders for a party called "Kode Red" on Saturday that was stopped early due to health hazards.
Several people came to the party too intoxicated to function, fraternity President Kernef Jackson said.
One man showed up so intoxicated an ambulance was called, he said.
The safety of people entering and exiting the building and of some women who said they were sexually harassed became a major concern.
"We're responsible for the welfare of anyone who comes in," said fraternity member Matt Whitener.
Jackson also said some people in the crowd waiting to get in did not have tickets.
At some points, they could only allow a few people in the door at a time, and parts of the crowd became "mobbish," Jackson said.
"We have a reputation to uphold," said Jordan Bond, vice president and treasurer of Kappa Alpha Psi.
The Columbia Police Department was present, but the crowd became "more hostile" and "seemed to backlash" when instructed to stand back, Jackson said.
He said the fraternity plans to refund anyone who still has a ticket at Brady Commons today between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The tickets, which were purchased in advance, were $10.
"We are not here to mistreat or misuse everyone," Jackson said. "It wasn't our intent to end the party."
A Facebook group called "I Want My Muthafukin Money Back....." was formed in response to the party.
"This wack ass, dump ass, Kode Red party was fucked up. I can't believe it ended before twelve o'clock. So if you want yo got damn money back join this group. Make sure you invite your friends to join," states the description of the group.
The group was created by Jamese "darkandlovely" Moore.
Whitener posted a letter of apology to all attendees on the group wall.
"We sincerely apologize for the issues that arose from the events surrounding Saturday's party. We made a decision based on safety issues such as female sexual harassment outside, various fire hazard issues and the inability to control the crowd by both members of multiple organizations and the police department," the letter stated.
It said anyone with complaints could talk to members of the fraternity.
The fraternity plans to throw a free party, which will be open to anyone, "just to make things right," Bond said.
Jackson said they almost never halt parties in progress.
"There was just too much emotion," he said. "It was just the excitement of Homecoming."
He said the party was "well-anticipated."
Whitener said the Greek community was supportive of the decision to halt the party, particularly the fraternities Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma.
Jackson also said there were members of the fraternity from other chapters who were more aggressive than the MU members. He said their actions do not reflect the opinions of the members of the MU chapter.
"(The original party) had the makings of a great party," Bond said.
The party took place at the Peachtree Catering & Banquet Center.
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