FSU Greek Life Director Jamie Winters Weighs in on SAE Controversy
This article contains offensive language that may be offensive to readers.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity of Oklahoma University is currently in the hot-seat after a video of its members were captured on video singing a very discriminatory chant.
SAE’s mission promotes friendship, unity, substance and gentlemen-ship; however, a few members of Oklahoma University neglected this doctrine when they were caught saying:
“You can hang them from a tree,
But he’ll never sign with me,
There will never be a nigger at SAE!
There will never be a nigger at SAE!
There will never be a nigger at SAE!”
The incident has caused a national uproar. Individuals are using social media websites such as Twitter and Tumblr to express their opinions of the video. One Twitter user wrote: “SAE is now suing Oklahoma… because nothing says spoiled like being racist AND having daddy’s lawyer trying to save the day.” Another Twitter user tweeted: “Oklahoma’s SAE racist chant is startling not because it’s on video, but because it sounded quite traditional.”
Oklahoma University students have rallied together in a silent protest against racial discrimination. Parker Rice, one of the two former members of SAE, that was caught chanting on video, alleged that SAE members were “taught” the song by fellow members.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon was one of the first fraternities formed in the south. The SAE chapter has been at FSU since 1990, welcoming all males of different ethnicities and races, and does not promote or encourage racial segregation amongst any fraternity or sorority.
“Black students are members of SAE at Frostburg. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity has even initiated international students” said Jamie Winters, assistant director of Student Activities and Greek Life at FSU.
Parker Rice and Levi Pettit, the two men identified in the video, have been expelled from the University. David Boren, president of University of Oklahoma, has ordered all SAE members to vacate the campus premises.
“I would contact their national headquarters and ask those men involved to be removed from the chapter. I would also have them attend NCBI training and pay for all expenses involved. What they said does not align with their values as a national organization. Although everyone is allowed their own beliefs and personal opinion, this song violates what their creed states and their mission as a true gentleman,” Winters said.
Although the two men have been expelled from school and removed from the fraternity, people are arguing that the entire organization is “racists,” and should be dissembled immediately. Winters disagrees with this thought.
“No, not unless the entire chapters were involved or it could be proven the entire chapter has a historical past of segregation. If it does, then, yes they should go again because they are not practicing the values their swear to as a member if SAE, “said Winters, in regards of the fraternity being permanently removed from Oklahoma University.
As of now, the situation is still under investigation. Other SAE chapters at different Universities are being investigated to find out if the chant is a “tradition” within the fraternity.
For more information on the status of this incident, please visit the following links:
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