The University of Oklahoma became a trending topic Sunday night on Twitter as videos allegedly showing members of one of the school's fraternities shouting a racist chant made their way across the Internet on YouTube and Instagram.
A cellphone video taken from inside a bus allegedly packed with members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was anonymously released to the university's newspaper Sunday evening.
The fraternity's national headquarters in Evanston, Ill., reported it is disbanding the university's chapter in response to the racist video.
The men seen inside the bus appear to be dressed in tuxedos. One is clearly seen yelling and pumping his fist leading the racist song. Many of the people on the bus are clapping along as well.
The people on the bus use a black racial slur multiple times during the chant, and they also allude to lynching.
The fraternity's national President Brad Cohen posted Sunday night on Twitter in response to the video.
"I know I speak for all when I say I'm disgusted and shocked by the video involving our (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) chapter at (the University of Oklahoma). They will be dealt with," Cohen said on his Twitter page.
The fraternity's Twitter account, @sae1856, retweeted Cohen, as well as posted a few comments on the incident.
"Sigma Alpha Epsilon is aware of the video and is both shocked and appalled at what we have seen," the first of three tweets said. "Those types of behaviors are not consistent with our values whatsoever. We are investigating the details and will sanction those who are responsible."
University President David Boren also took to Twitter to let the public know the actions are "contrary" to the school's values.
"If the video is indeed of OU students, this behavior will not be tolerated," Boren's tweet said. "We are investigating."
In an email statement, Boren said they will be addressing the situation "very quickly."
"If the reports are true, the chapter will no longer remain on campus," the statement said.
Unheard, an on-campus minority rights group, also released a statement Sunday. They called the video's language offensive, disrespectful and unacceptable.
On the group's Twitter page, posts and retweets were plentiful Sunday night, many referencing a protest Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the university's North Oval.
(c)2015 The Oklahoman
