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.
Silicon Valley US: @Twitter is having a #Frat party for employees. #Lovewhereyouwork #diversitymatters #brogrammers. pic.twitter.com/WkX4aHHl6g
— Global Tech Women (@GlobalTechWomen) July 22, 2015