South African university suspends 2 in costume outcry

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A South African university suspended two white students for painting their faces in what it called a "blackface" incident deemed to be racially offensive.

"Stellenbosch University condemns all forms of racism and discrimination and acknowledges the severe negative impact of the pain and trauma experienced by students, staff and members of the public," the university said.

In 2014, two white students at Stellenbosch University were accused of racism after painting their faces dark to portray tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams at a costume party.