University students facing expulsion after dress-up party
A group of NSW university students could be facing expulsion after a controversial dress-up party at their local pub.
Five Wagga Wagga students were photographed at Thursday night’s “politically incorrect” themed event dressed as members of the KKK, behind a man in black face, supposedly depicting a cotton picker.
Another was photographed at the Black Swan Hotel event wearing a Hitler costume, posing with others dressed as holocaust prisoners.
The images have been circulated on social media, with many slamming the establishment for permitting the behaviour.
The event was advertised on Facebook as post-exam uni party with a “politically incorrect” theme, encouraging patrons to come wearing something offensive.
“Tippo will be providing the usual quality drink specials. So grab a kit that would legally get you in s**t and hook right in,” the event page encouraged.
In the wake of the backlash and string of negative comments and messages on its Facebook page, the Black Swan Hotel claimed its staff initially had no idea the costumed men were on the premises, despite them being photographed holding drinks they would have purchased from bar staff.
The bar claimed the men initially went unnoticed by staff, but were asked to leave after workers realised they were dressed offensively.
“The pub was made aware of an incident unbeknownst to staff,” The Black Swan reportedly wrote on its Facebook page – in a post that has since been removed.
“We were unaware of this behaviour happening out the back of the pub, however we have immediately dealt with this.
“We have zero tolerance and do not condone this sort of behaviour,” The Black Swan wrote.
However, many remain unconvinced venue staff didn’t know they were there, and have flooded the page with one-star reviews and posts demanding an explanation.
Charles Sturt University told 7 News it condemned the behaviour and was investigating.
Wagga Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said the students are attempting to apologise.
“As students, I’m sure people have lived to regret some of their actions and I’m sure in this case some of the students will live to regret, if they haven’t already done so,” he said on Friday.
The Black Swan Hotel has been contacted for comment.
