Sorority Shut Down Over Cruel, Anti-Gay Action

The national board of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority has agreed to shut down its Colorado State University chapter after the group co-sponsored a vicious, anti-gay float in the school's homecoming parade.

Featuring a hanging scarecrow with the words "I'm gay" painted on its face, the float mocked the recent beating death of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student who was brutally beaten and then strung up on a fence like a hunting trophy. He fell into a coma and later died from his injuries.

The CSU chapter voted to give up its Alpha Chi Omega charter shortly before the national board made the decision to shut down the group.

A fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, also sponsored the hateful float.

Media Resources: UPI - October 15, 1998

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