These Pictures Show Why a University Frat Was Suspended for MLK Day Party

An Arizona State University fraternity was suspended, at least temporarily during an investigation, after it hosted an "MLK Black Party" that some deemed offensive.

According to KPHO-TV, those attending Tau Kappa Epsilon's party wore basketball jerseys, threw up gang symbols with their fingers in photos and drank from mini-watermelons.

Photos like this from the party posted on social media carried messages like "I have a dream," in reference to Martin Luther King's famous speech. (Image source: KPHO-TV)

"I think this represents the ignorance that still exists today. This is just one example of the kind of things that occur here," senior ASU student Kaajal Koranteng told the news station.

Fellow senior Frank Hogan told KPHO the party was inappropriate, especially for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

"[…] you really have no business dressing like this on a day that's sort of revered for African-Americans," he said.

Image source: KPHO-TV

In addition to the fraternity being suspended for now, the university's statement said it would also take action "against the individuals involved."

"ASU has one of the most diverse student bodies of any major university in the country, and it is unfortunate that a few misguided individuals held an offensive party at a time when ASU, the state and the nation are celebrating Dr. King's achievements and legacy. The university will not tolerate this kind of behavior," the statement continued, according to KPHO.

Watch the news station's report:

The fraternity was already on social probation and not allowed to have parties, after only just being reinstated in December from a previous suspension. This party in particular was hosted off campus.

A representative with the fraternity's national chapter is meeting with school officials this week to discuss what happened and any action that might be necessary as a result.

(H/T: KVVU-TV)