Auburn SAE Fraternity: “No Comment”
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Two members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Oklahoma are now expelled after video of them leading a racist chant went viral. We visited Auburn University today where the SAE chapter there declined to comment about the incident.
But that didn’t stop other students from talking.
I went to the SAE frat house at Auburn today and before I could even get out of the car, a fraternity member approached me to give me a link to their national statement about the incident. I asked if they are being told not to talk about this and was told no comment.
President David Boren said the students who lead the chant created a hostile learning environment for others. While Auburn University’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chapter isn’t talking, their peers are.
“I feel like there should have been at least a little bit of due process,” says Chris Walker. “Even though I may uninformed of said due process, but to happen so fast, I understand it but it’s shocking.”
Walker is a member of a different fraternity but he feels they are all somehow connected.
“We are a fraternity, a brotherhood,” he says. “And you feel like if your brothers feel that type of way or say that type of thing, it’s, I wouldn’t say the word disgusting but it’s disheartening.”
Walker may not have wanted to use the word disgusting, but SAE’s national headquarters did. In a statement, SAE president Brad Cohen said he was “not only shocked and disappointed but disgusted by the outright display of racism displayed in the video.” Auburn students are split about the fallout.
“It might have been a little harsh,” says student Daniel Davis. “I understand where people are feeling hurt about racist stuff that was said but I think they could have maybe suspended them for something, because expelled, that’s a little far.”
“It’s weird to see a president taking matters into his own hands on that, like something that can seem really, really small,” says student Andrew Haight. “But it is a serious offense.”
Walker also says he understands why Auburn’s SAE isn’t speaking out about the incident in Oklahoma.
“Being in an organization, I understand the politics involved and now is the time for damage control for the organization.” “So it’s best not to say anything until you have people who’ve dealt with the situation.”
Jill Moore, the director of Greek Life for Auburn University, sent us a statement this afternoon that says “Auburn University does not condone discrimination of any kind in Greek organizations, and continues to encourage inclusion and diversity in all matters.”
