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An incident at the University of Oklahoma recently garnered national attention as news quickly circulated around the internet. Members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon led out and participated in a racially charged chant. Catching wind of the nine second clip, the University launched an investigation leading to the disbanding of the fraternity as well as officials expelling two students believed to hold leadership roles.
President Boren cited the two students leadership role in the chant created a hostile educational environment for others. One of the students officially apologized for the actions of the group.
"I am deeply sorry for what I did Saturday night. It was wrong and reckless. I made a horrible mistake by joining into the singing and encouraging others to do the same," Rice said in the statement. "On Monday, I withdrew from the university, and sadly, at this moment our family is not able to be in our home because of threatening calls as well as frightening talk on social media."
"For me, this is a devastating lesson and I am seeking guidance on how I can learn from this and make sure it never happens again," Rice said.
Rice said Saturday's incident was "likely was fueled by alcohol," but "that's not an excuse."
"Yes, the song was taught to us, but that too doesn't work as an explanation. It's more important to acknowledge what I did and what I didn't do. I didn't say 'no,'" - FOX News
Now, the football players have written an official statement calling for the rest of the SAE leadership to be "expelled, suspended, or otherwise disciplined severely." Included in the statement, the team states they have not practiced at all this week and will not practice today either. However, it appears as though practices will resume following spring break as the athletes continue to wear black to raise awareness of the issue.
Together we stand #OUnited pic.twitter.com/1b7QoLQtJp
— Dominique Alexander (@_DAlexander1) March 12, 2015
Not only do athletes from various sports stand in support of the release from the football team, a coach has also taken to twitter to show support. In response, President Boren intends to meet with the captains of the football team along with Joe Castiglione following spring break.