RACISM - University of Oklahoma

"Racist video by University of Oklahoma frat prompts protest, apologies and expulsions" PBS NewsHour 3/11/2015

JUDY WOODRUFF (NewsHour):  Now, the continuing fallout at the University of Oklahoma after members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity were caught on camera singing racist epithets.

The video came out Saturday, and action was taken within 48 hours.  But the university, the national fraternity, and others are still the focus of many concerns.

It’s the chant that sparked outrage across the nation.

STUDENTS:  There will never be a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) SAE.  You can hang them from a tree, but they will never sign with me.

JUDY WOODRUFF:  The 10-second video triggered protests, and was quickly condemned by university president David Boren.

DAVID BOREN, President, University of Oklahoma:  This has broken my heart, that this could happen on our campus.  We have such a strong community. People respect each other.  This is not representative of our students.

JUDY WOODRUFF:  On Monday, the university closed its chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and members were forced to move out of the house by last night.

QUESTION:  Are you embarrassed?

STUDENT:  Extremely.  Can I say anything else?

STUDENT:  I’m very embarrassed.

QUESTION:  Do you have a place to go?

STUDENT:  Yes.

JUDY WOODRUFF:  Yesterday, two students who led the chant were expelled, but not officially identified.  Apologies quickly followed.

Nineteen-year-old Parker Rice of Dallas, Texas, said in a statement:  “I am deeply sorry for what I did.  This is a devastating lesson and I am seeking guidance on how I can learn from this.”

And the parents of 20-year-old Levi Pettit said, in their own statement, “He made a horrible mistake and will live with the consequences forever.”

The University of Oklahoma has indicated more people could face punishment after officials finish their investigation.