University of Louisville apologizes over Hispanic Halloween costumes

*A couple of things here …  I don’t know if the headline writer was going for an alliteration effect – Hispanic Halloween – but the incident at the University of Louisville was more than a “costume” faux-pas. The photo and unthought plan behind it point to a repeating bunch of incidents just like it, in other Universities, companies, fraternities and sororities. “We should know better” is no longer and acceptable excuse, not when so many people have done this before and been called-out for it. Neither is it an excuse for costume manufacturers and retailers who profit from it. This isn’t good fun, and Halloween is not an excuse to hide condescension behind a seasonal smile. Here’s the rule: if the vast majority of a people are insulted by your action, it’s best not to do it. VL

By Steve Bittenbender, Reuters

LOUISVILLE, Ky., ( (Reuters) – The University of Louisville issued an apology on Thursday, after a community outcry over a photograph showing school staff, including school President James Ramsey, donning sombreros and other items associated with Hispanic culture during a party.

In a statement directed to the Hispanic and Latino faculty, staff and students, Ramsey’ office said the school will initiate diversity training immediately.

The photograph, taken at a staff luncheon, was posted on the website of Louisville’s newspaper, the Courier-Journal, along with a story about a university-owned mansion that sits vacant except for certain events, like fundraisers and staff luncheons.

The photo shows Ramsey wearing a sombrero and multi-colored poncho. Women in the image are wearing similar hats along with facial hair, while other men are wearing veils. Several people are also holding maracas.