On Sunday evening, video emerged of Oklahoma’s SAE fraternity chanting the N-word (among other racial slurs) at a social function. Hours later, the national headquarters of SAE disbanded the chapter, and the University of Oklahoma severed ties with the fraternity.
On Monday morning, members of the Oklahoma football team, along with head coach Bob Stoops, joined protesters at a campus rally.
Bob Stoops stands with his players at OU South Oval demonstration. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/QS7Al3wt6Q
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) March 9, 2015
.@UofOklahoma student athletes gathering at the North Oval. @OKCFOX #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/cKWKRH7aye
— Danielle Dunn (@DanielleDunnOKC) March 9, 2015
Right now: Rally on University of Oklahoma's campus after SAE's racist chant posted. photo via @OU_Unheard @10News pic.twitter.com/rQjP5ROLCw
— Natasha Zouves (@NatashaZouves) March 9, 2015
Students gather on Univ. of Oklahoma campus to protest over #SAE fraternity's racist chant. Pic: @tkwoodward @OUDaily pic.twitter.com/yDVSRpPIZT
— AJ+ (@ajplus) March 9, 2015
Oklahoma linebacker Eric Striker was the most outspoken of the group, delivering this NSFW snapchat Sunday night.
https://twitter.com/Cheesus85/status/574841769298432000
But there’s a larger issue according to Striker. He alludes to some of them here saying there’s been “institutional breakdown” with regard to minority relations, especially with athletes.
I speak with @UofOklahoma football player #EricStriker about why he & his teammates decided to take a stand. @OKCFOX pic.twitter.com/O8qiEzkRjZ
— Danielle Dunn (@DanielleDunnOKC) March 9, 2015
It’s a vague accusation from Striker, and it may point to an overall race issue at the university. The administration for their part was quick to respond, and President David Boren issued this statement:
Updated statement attached – DBo pic.twitter.com/xxfiJwCh0P
— David Boren (@DavidBorenOK) March 9, 2015
Some of are calling for the student’s expulsion from Oklahoma. We’ll wait and see if that’s a direction the school chooses to go in.