Costumes don't usually come to mind when it comes to offensive behavior. By the very nature of what they are, costumes are usually associated with fun, celebrations, and good times. Some costumes, however, can end up offending an entire segment of the population and create significant problems for the offender.

The University of South Carolina recently settled complaints about two Halloween costumes that offended students at their university. Following is information about what happened and why what happened is a big deal for college students and faculty everywhere.

How Did the University of South Carolina Get Into “Costume“ Trouble?

In 2021, pictures surfaced of a 2014 Halloween party picturing the then-dean of the University of South Alabama's business school, Bob Wood, and another faculty member, Professor Alex Sharman. Wood arrived at the party wearing a Confederate soldier's uniform. He explained that the costume was one of the few available outfits at the student store. Sharman showed up in a black suit with a white barristers wig. He had a noose and whip with him. He said his outfit represented George Jeffreys, a 17th-century judge known as the “Hanging Judge.”

Facing complaints about the newly discovered pictures, the university decided to fix the Dean Woods issue by allowing him to return to his non-teaching duties while participating in restorative justice activities. Part of the restorative justice process involved Woods apologizing to the university community, participating in a forum where he went before the complainants and explained what he's learned, and outlining what he planned to do towards the furtherance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the school. He would also not teach lessons at the school for a year. Students were also allowed to opt-out of his classes once he did return to teaching.

In Sharman's case, a diverse committee, made up of two academic administrators and one student, determined that his costume was not discriminatory but was still unacceptable. Sanctions for Sharland included participation in an educational program about discrimination. He was then allowed to return to his full duties.

What Costumes Should You Avoid?

Today, people have learned that certain costumes that target race, nationality, religion, or even sexuality are offensive to entire segments of the population, and students and faculty are told to avoid them. These costumes include anything that could be construed as cultural appropriation or stereotype, for example, a geisha costume.

How Can Wearing Offensive Costumes Affect Your College Career?

The University of South Carolina story highlighted above shows that even incidents that took place years ago can still come back to haunt you, putting your academic career or your education in jeopardy. The dean and the professor were sanctioned years after the incidents. Though they didn't face harsh punishment, they might have had the incidents been deemed reprehensible enough.

If you're a student and your school finds that you've worn an offensive costume, you could be hit with sanctions ranging from suspension to even expulsion. If you're a faculty member, you could even end up losing your job. In both cases, your actions could even end up affecting your life years after your bad behavior resurfaces.

Get Legal Advice

If you wear costumes that people find offensive all in the name of a “bit of fun,” the fallout can affect you years after the fact. You'll most likely end up needing legal help defending yourself from the allegations and minimizing the damage done to your reputation.

If you're dealing with a university investigation, reach out for help from attorney Joseph D. Lento and the experienced team at the Lento Law Firm. They have years of experience dealing with these issues across the United States and they can help you figure out what you need to do to preserve your reputation.  Call 888-535-3686 now.