Racism is still alive and prevalent today. Over the weekend, a video surfaced of the University of Oklahoma's Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter fraternity members chanting a racist song that was stating that blacks will never be admitted into the fraternity on OU's campus and included a reference of lynching. The video was posted by Unheard, the University of Oklahoma's black student group. The video has resulted in the closing of the fraternity house at the university, the national chapter cutting ties with the fraternity, and calls for answers and action.
In the nine second video, students are seen on a bus laughing, clapping their hands, and pumping their fists as they chant the following:
"There will never be a ni**** SAE. You can hang him from a tree, but he can never sign with me. There will never be a ni**** SAE."
Since the video has went viral, disciplinary action have been put to place to demonstrate the school's "zero-tolerance" for racism. David Boren, the president of the University of Oklahoma, has severed ties with the fraternity, closed down the SAE house, and is in the process of a thorough investigation that will result in the expulsion of students involved in the video (Note- The video violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance).
One member has come forward to issue a public apology stating "I am deeply sorry for what I did Saturday night. It was wrong and reckless. I made a horrible mistake by joining into the singing and encouraging others to do the same." Another member's parents have come forward to issue a public statement stating "We were as shocked and saddened by this news as anyone. Of course, we are sad for our son, but more importantly, we apologize to the community he has hurt. We would also like to apologize to the entire African American community, University of Oklahoma student body and administration." Both students said that they were taught the song. The national SAE chapter has denied teaching members a 'disgusting' chant as such and has apologized on the behalf of the University of Oklahoma's chapter racist chant. The chapter also went on the record to state that the actions of those students in the video, does not reflect the views of the other 15,000 members apart of the fraternity.
If you have not seen the video, check it out below:
Currently, students are holding protests on Norman's campus and around the country, Delta Delta Delta is under scrutiny because some of their members were on the bus at the time, SAE's black chef on the OU's campus is out of a job, and the SAE's house mom is under investigation after a video surfaced of her stating a racial slur.
When will it ever stop?
(Photo: Twitter)
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