The University of Oklahoma responds to SAE racist video

The University of Oklahoma, after being shared the video of the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon chanting racist remarks, reacted quickly. The university president David Boren issued a statement condemning the members,  expelled two students and demanded the house be permanently closed. The members of the fraternity were demanded to leave the fraternity house within 24 hours and the letters were torn down afterwards.

Boren did a great job at responding to the situation. He took action immediately and demonstrated that OU does not tolerate racist behavior. Boren had stated in an interview with Wolf Blitzer that he was angry about the situation and wanted to showcase that Sooners are not racist.  Even President Obama praised OU for the quick response.  In crisis communications, its important to identify the crisis, propose a solution and act on it. If OU would of waited for weeks or days to respond it would look suspicious as if they were planning to cover it up.

Even if legally he was advised not to expel the students he did anyways. Boren has cut all ties with SAE on campus to ensure they are not longer affiliated with the university. Even though some disagree with how quickly he responded and thought it was an overreaction, the subject of racism is a serious matter.  It is important that he emphasized that racism is not acceptable. Boren knew he would face a lawsuit from the boys regarding the first amendment, but he didn't care. Instead, he went with what he felt was morally right and took action toward it. The university has done a excellent job on constantly communicating to the public and not keeping quiet about the situation.

There are claims that members of the Tri-Delta sorority were also chanting with the SAE members. However on the Tri-Delta website, it claims to be cooperating with officials to investigate this manner, but on the local chapter of Tri-Delta website they claim otherwise. It is obvious the national headquarters and the local chapters did not communicate well with each other on the issue. It looks unorganized that the local and national headquarters are not on the same page.

                                                               
 Shania Jackson is a junior public relations major at the University of North Texas. To stay connect with her follow her on twitter @shaniagracePR
                                                               



 Citation:

 Shapiro, Emily. "Oklahoma Sigma Alpha Epsilon: University President Severs Ties With Frat, Sorority Also Investigates." ABC News. ABC News Network, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2015

 The Incident at the University of Oklahoma." Tri Delta. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.

 OU President Declares 'zero Tolerance' for Racism - CNN Video." CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.

 Wilcox, Dennis L. Public Relations Writing and Media Techniques. New York: Longman, 2001. Print.