USC Vice President of Student Affairs Michael Jackson sent an open letter to the Trojan community today expressing the university’s disapproval of an e-mail that was sent to the Kappa Sigma Fraternity’s listserv. 

Jackson said USC administrators are appalled by the e-mail, which refers to women as “targets” and contains a glossary of explicit terms defining men, women, and descriptions of their body parts. Women are also categorized by their ethnicity and nationality.

“It expresses repulsive views, its sentiments and language demean women, and it contradicts the values and standards of our university,” Jackson wrote.

Jackson also noted that the university takes great pride in the “influence and stature” of women in the Trojan community and the contributions they have made throughout the USC’s 131-year history.

According to the message, USC officials investigated the e-mail after students forwarded its contents to staff members in Student Affairs earlier this month. During the investigation, university officials spoke with the leadership of the USC chapter of Kappa Sigma, and consulted the Kappa Sigma national fraternity.

The university has determined that the e-mail did not originate at USC. A member of USC’s chapter of Kappa Sigma instead received the e-mail from a friend at another university on the east coast and then forwarded it to Kappa Sigma’s listserv. The e-mail then went viral, spreading to the Greek community and beyond. 

The USC student who sent the e-mail to the listserv has apologized and expressed his regret.

Kappa Sigma’s chapter operations have been suspended while the fraternity conducts its own investigation.

The Interfraterity Council (IFC) said it also plans to take an active role in expressing its disapproval of the e-mail. IFC said it is “collaborating with centers and departments on campus to educate all chapters about the harm of such offensive speech.”

Jackson said USC officials will continue to adhere to the university’s code of ethics, speaking out against “hatred and bigotry whenever and wherever” they are found.

“We will continue to work to promote healthy relationships, open dialogue, and respect among the members of the Trojan Family-and, as an extension of our mission, to encourage the treatment of all people with dignity and respect,” Jackson said.