Disciplinary action will be taken against roughly 25 OU students involved in the racist chant that caused the disbandment of OU's chapter of fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said OU President David Boren during a press conference Friday.
Boren began the press conference on the steps of Evans Hall immediately following a meeting with SAE members and African-American campus leaders.
The meeting, which lasted more than an hour, included Isaac Hill, Naome Kadira and MaRiah Moore from the Black Student Association, Eric Striker and KayKay Williams, representing OU Athletics, Chris Flix and Keith Logan from the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Alexis Hall and Meagan Johnson from black student alliance Unheard.
During the meeting, SAE members apologized to the African-American student leaders for the chant. Boren said their apologies were accepted.
“I believe that the people and students were very honest in their apologies,” said Isaac Hill, OU Black Student Association president.
Boren announced he will appoint a new Vice President of University Community next week. The new vice president’s office will be housed in Evans Hall and will receive direct support from Boren’s office. The new vice president will report directly and only to Boren’s office.
“I will announce the appointment of a new vice president for the university community who will have diversity and sensitivity as part of the portfolio of that office,” Boren said.
Boren will instate new diversity and sensitivity training starting this fall. The program will be for both current and incoming students.
“We are going to have diversity and sensitivity training for all students at the University of Oklahoma starting this fall ..." Boren said. "From that understanding will come more respect, the kind of respect we need to have and the kind of community we want to develop.”
After discussing the meeting with university leaders, Boren announced the results of the investigation and the university’s disciplinary action.
The findings showed the chant originated on an SAE leadership cruise four years ago. The chant was brought to OU's chapter and taught to members during recruitment.
Boren said all 25 students who were disciplined accepted their disciplinary action.
The dates of the members and high school students who were present will not be punished; however, SAE executives will be.
Disciplinary actions range from expulsion to community service and sensitivity training. Boren said expelled students will not have the opportunity to return.
Boren questioned the national SAE organization, asking what they are doing about the issue. He discussed the nature of racism as a national epidemic and OU’s ability to have a national impact in the wake of these events.
“It is important that when we make serious mistakes as individuals or as organizations, we are held accountable for them," Boren said. "We pay a price and then we move forward.”
Boren applauded students, faculty, staff and alumni for their support work during the past few weeks.
Students came out and observed the conference.
“I think it is important that he took action as immediately as he did," said Blanca Carrillo communications senior.
