(Image source: IMDB)

BY JESSICA SIBERT

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

An 80s themed costume party means big hair, shoulder pads and a Members Only jacket to most, but for six sorority sisters at the University of Southern Mississippi, it meant blackface. The women dressed up as characters from ‘80s TV classic “The Cosby Show.” WAGA has more.

“They say they painted their faces black and were just dressing up as the Huxtables. But those costumes landed six sorority sisters on suspension. The six girls all attend the University of Southern Mississippi and are all members of the Phi Mu sorority. The sorority’s president says more disciplinary action could follow.”

Because the party was off campus and the costumes didn’t necessarily constitute a crime, the University will not take disciplinary action. But, the Vice President of Student Affairs told the Hattiesburg American the women do have to meet with African American student leaders.

“We thought it important to begin an open dialogue immediately, and all those involved were not only cooperative but open, honest and candid. Though clearly without overt intent, this was offensive, insensitive and regrettable, and is counter to the rich appreciation for diversity that marks our student body."

The six are on probation with their sorority, which is now expected to host a campus-wide diversity program with a high-profile guest speaker. A writer for Jezebel says this is an appropriate response.

“You could argue that Phi Mu should have booted the girls, or that diversity events shouldn't be assigned as punishment. But at least the sorority's national administration is telling all its members that racist costumes aren't okay ...”

Still, one fellow student told the school’s newspaper she didn’t see the blackface as that big of an issue.

“Because I know the history of blackface, at first I was little offended, but after knowing why they did it my understanding of the incident was a little more clear. It was just their intent to have fun, and I don’t think it was malicious at all.”

Maybe next time they’ll just stick to the famous Cosby sweaters.