To OU Students, Faculty, and Staff:
The Student Government Association’s Department of Diversity strongly condemns the actions displayed in the video that surfaced this past weekend. This incident has reminded us once again of the importance of diversity training and conversations regarding cultural sensitivity.
For too long we have discussed the issue of diversity without implementing changes to validate its existence and importance. We applaud the decision of President Boren to disassociate the university with Sigma Alpha Epsilon. However, it is our responsibility as the voice of the student body, mediators and liaisons, to hold our university and president to their vow to “be an example to the entire country on how to deal with this situation.”
We desire that the university conduct a full and thorough investigation regarding all parties involved in the video. We also request there be policy implemented to guide sanctions pertaining to issues of culturally insensitive actions committed by groups and organizations on our campus. We are advocating that in addition to the workshops regarding alcohol education, sexual assault prevention and hazing prevention, that a workshop pertaining to diversity be included as a prerequisite for membership into fraternities and sororities on OU’s campus. This workshop would educate individuals on culturally sensitive terms, symbols and actions that may be considered offensive to our diverse population. Sanctions for violating these rules would also be presented during this workshop.
These students have not only embarrassed their fraternity, offended African Americans, but they have also embarrassed the University of Oklahoma. The “n” word used during the chant in this video is the most derogatory, degrading and oppressive term to the African American community and to those who have fought for equality. Using this term reminds us that there are still many racial and social ills that exist within our campus culture today. As the department of diversity, this semester we have begun researching how to improve our campus by analyzing programs at other universities in order to decide how we can best help minority communities at OU.
In times like these we encourage those affected by this incident to remember the words of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who stated, “Let us not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.”
We will overcome this.
BerThaddaeus MP Bailey
Director of Diversity
Student Government Association
