DURHAM, N.C. — Protesters at Duke University ralliedagainst a fraternity that promoted a party with fliers that lookedlike expired green cards and a mock border patrol checkpoint at thedoor.
The chapter's Web site also posted an image of a drunkenMexican, but the fraternity president said Tuesday that the noticewasn't authorized by the chapter's leaders.
''Everything that I am -- my family, customs, culture andlanguage -- was violated,'' said Sandra Sanchez, who helpedorganize the demonstration Monday at Duke Chapel. ''The stereotypesof drunk Mexicans and border crossing was hurtful.''
Several speakers told about 75 students, professors andadministrators that the Sept. 13 Sigma Chi party inflamed theirlong-held belief that Duke has ignored its Latino students, whomake up about 7 percent of the school's enrollment.
Sigma Chi president Marc Mattioli, who said he is Latino,apologized and said the fraternity was not racist.
He said the fraternity was talking with leaders of the Latinocommunity to develop an education program for fraternity membersand the Duke community.
The party ''was designed to be a lighthearted celebration of theMexican tourism scene,'' Mattioli wrote in a letter published inDuke's student newspaper, The Chronicle.
''In no way was it intended to imply a political or socialstatement about Mexico, Mexican-Americans, immigrants orimmigration policy,'' he wrote. ''Obviously, it did not come off assuch.''
Mattioli added Tuesday that the computer image of the drunkenMexican was posted by the chapter's Webmaster without the knowledgeof fraternity leaders.
He said the image was posted several days and was removed afterhe learned about it.
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