(Updated) OU’s SAE Shut Down, Members Removed, House Vandalized Following Release Of Racist Video

Dillon Cheverere11 years ago

We reported yesterday that the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at the University of Oklahoma would likely be facing some harsh repercussions following the release of a racist video recorded inside a chartered bus. The video shows members of the fraternity chanting “There will never be a n*gger SAE!” as well as a reference to hanging from a tree.

That video is below.

The national office of SAE has responded. The SAE chapter at OU has been closed, all members have been suspended, and those individuals involved in the incident have been removed permanently.

From SAE:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national headquarters has closed its Oklahoma Kappa chapter at the University of Oklahoma following the discovery of an inappropriate video. In addition, all of the members have been suspended, and those members who are responsible for the incident may have their membership privileges revoked permanently.

The fallout doesn’t stop there. University PD preemptively went to the SAE house last night as a precaution. When the officer assigned to the house had to leave on another call, the house was vandalized. This is according to NBC News. “TEAR IT [DOWN]” in black spray paint now appears on the side of the house.

The university is also investigating the situation, but meanwhile, SAE members were told to vacate the campus. University President David Boren also said the following in a statement:

“I have just been informed of the video, which purports to show students engaging in a racist chant. We are investigating to determine if the video involved OU students. If OU students are involved, this behavior will not be tolerated and will be addressed very quickly. This behavior is contrary to all of our values.”

Racism sucks. It’s a stain on Greek culture and a thorough house cleaning is well overdue. It’s great to see the SAE national office and the University of Oklahoma take the proper initial steps toward thwarting racism from their respective domains as much as possible.

UPDATE: Two students identified as playing leadership roles in the video have been expelled from OU.

From University of Oklahoma President David Boren:

[via NBC News, SAE.net]

Image via Twitter/ @mikebrowncover