University of Oklahoma has suspended its Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter after a video with racist slurs, featuring individuals believed to be fraternity members surfaced online.
On Sunday, March 8, the 9-second video which shows off a group of white men donning suits in a bus, chanting anti-black lyrics. The video was uploaded on YouTube by an anonymous user.
The words of the song are a tad unintelligible and even reference lynching and go as follows:
"There will never be a ni**** in SAE.
There will never be a ni**** in SAE.
You can hang him from a tree, but he can never sign with me
There will never be a ni**** in SAE."
Calling the video "inappropriate," on Monday, March 9, the SAE revealed that it had closed the Oklahoma Kappa chapter owing to the incident. It also revealed that it has suspended the chapter's members and those responsible for the untoward incident will have their membership revoked on a permanent basis.
"We apologize for the unacceptable and racist behavior of the individuals in the video, and we are disgusted that any member would act in such a way. Furthermore, we are embarrassed by this video and offer our empathy not only to anyone outside the organization who is offended but also to our brothers who come from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities," said the SAE in a statement.
Before the SAE announcement, David Boren - President of University of Oklahoma had tweeted that if it was determined that the university's chapter was guilty, it would suspend the fraternity.
Updated statement attached. - DBo pic.twitter.com/xIvnd9otgu
— David Boren (@President_Boren) March 9, 2015
Brad Cohen, the SAE's national President too took to Twitter to express his disgust.
I know I speak for all when I say I'm disgusted and shocked by the video involving our @sae1856 chapter at Uof OK. They will be dealt with. — Brad Cohen (@SAE_ESA_brad) March 9, 2015
Later, Cohen revealed that the Oklahoma Kappa had been suspended.
@Melyssious The chapter has immediately been placed on a cease & desist. No place for racism. They will be dealt with! — Brad Cohen (@SAE_ESA_brad) March 9, 2015
Check the incriminating video below.
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