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A recent revelation has sparked controversy surrounding Jefferson Griffin, a Republican appellate judge in North Carolina, who is contesting the results of his state Supreme Court race. Griffin was photographed in Confederate military attire alongside a Confederate battle flag during his time at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1999-2003) when he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity, known for its links to the historical imagery of the Confederate South.
These images have surfaced during a politically sensitive period for Griffin as he embarks on a legal challenge to overturn over 60,000 votes from the previous November’s election, a contest where he currently trails the incumbent Democrat by more than 700 votes.
The images, obtained by The Associated Press, show Griffin during fraternity events, including one at the 2001 “Old South” ball, where he is surrounded by fellow fraternity members also dressed in Confederate uniforms. He has expressed regret regarding his past participation in these events, stating, “I attended a college fraternity event that, in hindsight, was inappropriate and does not reflect the person I am today.” He asserted he has since embraced values that advocate for inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
Griffin, who served as the chapter president in 2002, has faced mounting criticism from various quarters, including some within his party. Kappa Alpha Order has long faced scrutiny for its embrace of Confederate symbolism and practices. Jesse Lyons, a spokesperson for the fraternity’s national office, indicated that the display of Confederate flags was already discouraged in 2001 and uniforms were banned in 2010, although it remains unclear when these policies were enforced at the UNC chapter specifically.
Historical context reveals that Kappa Alpha Order, founded shortly after the Civil War, has prominent ties to figures like Robert E. Lee, whom the fraternity considers a “spiritual founder.” The fraternity has been criticized for promoting a version of history that romanticizes the Confederacy. Many chapters over the years have resisted abandoning traditions that include Confederate-themed events, despite growing awareness of their offensive nature.
As Griffin navigates this political turbulence, the fraternity’s questionable legacy is brought to the forefront. Even within his chapter, there were disputes regarding the appropriateness of their practices during the time Griffin was an active member. While some questioned the tradition, Griffin reportedly resisted calls to abandon it.
In high school, Griffin had also shown admiration for Robert E. Lee, identifying him as a preferred guest for a hypothetical gathering. This persistent connection with Confederate iconography has become a point of concern as Griffin seeks to solidify his standing in North Carolina’s judicial landscape.
The Kappa Alpha Chapter’s historical events are notorious for their opulence, often involving public displays featuring Confederate flags and attire, and have ignited protests against racial insensitivity over the years. Previous incidents have prompted significant public backlash, including events from the 1992 “Old South” parade at Auburn University and allegations from the University of Memphis in the 1990s involving racially charged behavior during fraternity activities.
Griffin’s situation is not unique among public officials with affiliations to such organizations. Similar scrutiny has fallen upon other politicians, where past connections to Kappa Alpha and its traditions were unearthed, prompting them to confront their histories, including Virginia’s former governor Ralph Northam and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, among others.
As Griffin continues his legal fight and faces increased scrutiny over his past, the case serves as a broader reflection on how symbols of the Confederacy are perceived in contemporary society and the ongoing dialogues about race, history, and accountability among public figures.
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