Twitter Sparks Backlash for Throwing Frat Party, ‘Brogrammer’ Culture

Social media company, in the middle of a gender-discrimination lawsuit, apologizes

In the middle of a gender discrimination lawsuit, social media giant Twitter is now apologizing for throwing a fraternity-themed party for the company’s internal happy hour on Tuesday.

Complete with a beer pong table, red Solo cups and a banner reading “Twitter Frat House” in Greek lettering, the party mimicked a frat house gathering, drawing criticism for reinforcing “brogrammer” culture and sexism within the tech industry.

The photo was posted by a female employee and was subsequently picked up by the Global Tech Women Twitter account. Twitter was quick to apologize for the party’s theme, calling it “ill-chosen.”

“This social event organized by one team was in poor taste at best, and not reflective of the culture we are building here at Twitter,” a Twitter spokesperson told Fusion. “We’ve had discussions internally with the organizing team, and they recognize that this theme was ill-chosen.”

The company is in the midst of a gender-discrimination lawsuit brought on by a former employee who claims the lack of formal procedures for job postings and promotions results in a secretive process that favors men over women.

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