University investigates blackface skit

ARDEN HILLS, Minn., May 11 (UPI) -- Five seniors at Bethel University in Minnesota have apologized for a blackface skit during a campus fundraiser.

Only one of the five appeared in blackface, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. He stood with his back to the audience through early numbers and then turned around, showing he was dressed as the rap singer Lil Wayne, with dreadlocks and darkened face.

The five, all men, sent an e-mail to students and faculty at the Baptist school in Arden Hills. They said they did not intend to be offensive, the newspaper reported.

"However, we realize our skit was offensive and hurtful," the e-mail said. "We are saddened by the fact that we caused pain and offense to our brothers and sisters."

School officials said they were investigating the impersonation as a bias incident and those involved could face disciplinary measures.

Ruben Rivera, a history professor at Bethel, called blackface "an expression of deliberate and unconscious racism in America."

"Here we are in 2010, and still a ton of people don't realize why this might hurt people," Rivera said.

The skit was part of an annual fundraiser for the campus organization Acting On AIDS.