University of Oklahoma Shaken by Racism Scandal at Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity

The University of Oklahoma has shuttered its branch of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity after video of a racist chant by members of the frat went viral.

The New York Times reports that SAE has been kicked off of the University of Oklahoma campus and all of its members at that campus have been suspended. The harsh punishment is due to the shocking nature of the offense.

A short video posted online showed frat members in formal wear singing about lynching and promising that there would never be a black member of the fraternity. The chant was done to the rhythm of the children's song, "If You're Happy and You Know It." The song was also loaded with the racial epithet for black people.

In a statement posted to his Twitter, school President David Boren said, "To those who have misused their free speech in such a reprehensible way, I have a message for you. You are disgraceful. You have violated all that we stand for. You should not have the privilege of calling yourself "Sooners". Real Sooners are not racist. Real Sooners are not bigots. Real Sooners believe in equal opportunity. Real Sooners treat all people with respect. Real Sooners love each other and take care of each other and treat each other like family members."

After the initial video spread online like wildfire over the weekend, a second video appeared Monday morning as the incident continued to gain attention.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the national organization for SAE has closed the Oklahoma chapter and also expressed disgust at the behavior in the video.

SAE has 15,000 members at more than 2,000 campuses, making it one of the largest fraternities in the United States.