ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com)—
A Washington University senior class trip ends with allegations of racism. Six African American students say they were turned away from a Chicago nightclub for wearing baggy pants. Nearly 200 wash u students went to Chicago last weekend. They had the class trip planned for months and worked out a deal with a nightclub, but they say when they got to the club, every African American student on the trip was denied at the door.It was a weekend to unite as the class of 2010. Instead, Washington University students say a Chicago night club divided them by race.
Senior Class President Fernando Cutz explains, "Every single African American with our group was denied at the door."
Including Senior Class Treasurer Regis Murayi. He helped plan the event at Mother's Night Club Original. When we interviewed him he wore the jeans he wore there last Saturday night, "He said my pants were too baggy and we weren't allowed to get in."
Cutz says he asked if Murayi and others could change and come back, "He wasn't listening to us and said I am sorry I've made my decision."
So students did an experiment. Murayi switched jeans with a shorter white student, "Jordan is three inches shorter and they looked substantially baggie on Jordan. He went back to the bar and the same manager was there and he was allowed in."
But Murayi says he was still denied access even with the form fitting pair of jeans.
Students are convinced the six African American seniors are victims of discrimination. They staged a protest in the streets of Chicago last Sunday.
Our calls to Mother's Night Club Original were not returned. A receptionist at its management group told us to call back on Friday.
Students have organized a town hall meeting for next Monday night. Washington University is backing their efforts.
Wash U seniors have contacted the NAACP, the ACLU and they've filed a formal complaint with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
They say they are strongly considering filing a lawsuit based on the Civil Rights Act.
