Fraternity Closes Chapter After Members Sing Racist Song Pledging No Black Members Ever

Sigma Alpha Epsilon has closed its University of Oklahoma at Norman chapter after a video surfaced showing members singing a racist pledge.

The Facebook page for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at the University of Oklahoma at Norman says the group has been “Inspiring men to become True Gentlemen since 1909.”

That inspiration clearly was not on display when members of SAE were filmed on a bus singing a vile and racist song pledging to never admit Black members.

“There will never be a n****r at SAE,” the members chanted.

The video was published to YouTube and Twitter by another campus group, Unheard:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national headquarters responded quickly, issuing a statement late Sunday night that it had closed the chapter, adding, “all of the members have been suspended, and those members who are responsible for the incident may have their membership privileges revoked permanently.”

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.

SAE’s National President offered this tweet as well:

Today, University of Oklahoma President David Boren released a statement, labeling the members’ acts “disgraceful,” and gave the fraternity until midnight Tuesday to move out of the frat house. 

“To those who have misused their free speech in such a reprehensible way, I have a message for you,” Boren wrote. “You are disgraceful. You have violated all that we stand for. You should not have the privilege of calling yourselves “Sooners.” Real Sooners are not racist. Real Sooners are not bigots. Real Sooners believe in equal opportunity. Real Sooners treat all people with respect. Real Sooners love each other and take care of each other like family members.”

USA Today reports two of fraternity’s chapter members say they’ve since received death threats.

 

UPDATE – 03.10.15:

 

Image via Facebook
Hat tip: Gawker