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The national Sigma Alpha Epsilon organization shut down one of its chapters at the University of Oklahoma Sunday after a video surfaced earlier that day that reportedly showed members of the fraternity chanting racial slurs.
Posted to YouTube, the video showed students singing lyrics that not only indicated black students would never be admitted into the fraternity, but also referenced lynching. The organization validated the video when it released a statement on Twitter apologizing for the chapter's actions.
"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 of the organization who is offended but also to our brothers who come from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities," the statement read.
OU students held a prayer vigil Sunday night as OU President David Boren and SAE President Brad Cohen also tweeted statements regarding the students' swift punishment. There are more student protests planned today. Former Oklahoma athletes have also sounded off on Twitter about the viral video.
"Ive seen the video 'supposedly' from my Alma Mater. Regardless of the school the act is just saddening. But it's the harsh reality of today," wrote Gerald McCoy, defensive tackle on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "Something has to be done. That's unbelievable. Especially if it's at OU. I pray something is done. Nothing small. Serious consequences."
Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson called for punishment of only those involved, not the whole chapter.
"A lot of my boys are SAE's & they aren't racist just these idiots. They have no rhythm either," he tweeted. "Just punish those idiots don't petition to remove the whole fraternity. I hope the date party they were headed to sucked."
According to a local news affiliate, members of the organization moved out of the SAE house overnight with campus police protection. The house was vandalized overnight, with someone writing "Tear it down" on an outside wall.