The University of Southern Mississippi confirmed on Monday that six students dressed in blackface for a costume party.
The USM Dean of Students Office said the six women, all members of Phi Mu sorority, dressed in blackface to depict themselves as the Huxtable family from “The Cosby Show,” as part of their participation in a 1980s-themed, off-campus costume party on Wednesday. “Though it is clear that these women had no ill intent, it was also clear that they had little cultural awareness or competency, and did not understand the historical implication of costuming in black face,” said Dean of Students Dr. Eddie Holloway.