U. of Louisville Apologizes After President Is Photographed in Stereotypical Mexican Costume
The University of Louisville apologized on Thursday after its president, James R. Ramsey, and other university officials drew sharp criticism for appearing in a photograph in stereotypical Mexican costumes, complete with sombreros, bushy mustaches, and maracas, reports The Courier-Journal, a newspaper in Louisville, Ky. The newspaper published the picture on Wednesday in a photo gallery about a university-owned mansion. The costumed officials were pictured at a Halloween party there on Wednesday. On Thursday the university’s view of the event was somewhat less festive. “We made a mistake and are very sorry,” Kathleen Smith, the president’s chief of staff, said in a written statement cited by The Courier-Journal. The statement said the president’s office had expressed “our deep regret for the hurt this experience has caused” in a meeting with Sarah Nuñez, an assistant director of the university’s Cultural Center.