Syracuse University in New York has pledged to conduct an overall review of the role of the Greek system on campus after a video was posted online of an initiation ritual conducted by the Theta Tau fraternity. The six-minute video shows a member saying an oath that included the statement: “I solemnly swear to always have hatred in my heart for Niggers, Spics, and most importantly the fucking Kykes.”
Fraternity members are seen in the video making fun of women, homosexuals, and people with disabilities. Widespread protests were held on campus.
The fraternity issued a statement claiming that what was shown on the video “was a satirical sketch of an uneducated, racist, homophobic, misogynist, sexist, ableist and intolerant person. The young man playing the part of this character nor the young man being roasted do not hold any of the horrible views espoused as a part of that sketch. None of the satire was said or done in malice.”
The university said 18 students had been “removed from academic participation” due to the video. A spokesperson said that “alternative class and study arrangements will be made for these students as the judicial process moves forward.” The fraternity chapter was permanently expelled from the university.
The video was obtained by the student newspaper the Daily Orange. It was posted here.
