Syracuse fraternity suspended over shocking video of racist pledge

A university fraternity has been suspended after videos shared online showed its members making ‘extremely racist, homophobic and sexist’ oaths.

The footage, filmed at Syracuse University in New York, shows members of engineering fraternity Theta Tau making a series of offensive pledges.

One student, who is on his knees, can be heard pledging: ‘I solemnly swear to always have hatred in my heart for n******, s**** and most importantly the f****** k****.’

The videos were shared by Syracuse’s independent student newspaper, The Daily Orange, after they had been posted in a secret Facebook group, called ‘Tau of Theta Tau.’  

The suspension of the fraternity was confirmed by Syracuse University chancellor Kent Syverud.

In a campus-wide email, he wrote that the fraternity members were filmed engaging in behaviors that were ‘extremely racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and hostile to people with disabilities’.

One video from the fraternity, which is six minutes long, shows members laughing as they use several racial slurs. 

One member can even be heard telling Jews to ‘get in the shower’ in reference to Nazi gas chambers. 

One student can be heard pledging: ‘I solemnly swear to always have hatred in my heart for n******, s**** and most importantly the f****** k****.’

The members, who seem to all be male, can also be seen encouraging each other to simulate several sex acts. 

One of the students can be seen kneeling in front of another, who asks him: ‘Do you know what you signed up for today?’

The man on his knees makes a series of sexually explicit motions before reciting ‘the oath’.

He shouts: ‘F*** black people.’      

The shocking footage was shared on Facebook and showed the fraternity standing in an order while one member dictated from a podium

The shocking footage was shared on Facebook and showed the fraternity standing in an order while one member dictated from a podium

Students can also be heard joking about people with mental illnesses.

One says: ‘He’s drooling out of his mouth because he’s retarded in a wheelchair.’ 

Chancellor Kent Syverud wrote in his campus-wide email: ‘I am appalled and shaken by this and deeply concerned for all members of our community.

‘There is absolutely no place at Syracuse University for behavior or language that degrades any individual or group’s race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, disability or religious beliefs.

As well as making a series of racial comments, they could be seen performing a number of simulated sex acts on each other

As well as making a series of racial comments, they could be seen performing a number of simulated sex acts on each other

‘Upon confirming Theta Tau’s involvement, the university’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities immediately suspended the fraternity, effectively halting all activities.’ 

Theta Tau is a national organisation that was founded in 1904. Around 30,000 people have been initiated into the fraternity since.   

Michael Abraham, the executive director of the Theta Tau Central Office, confirmed the organisation are looking into the claims.  

According to the Daily Orange, Theta Tau is the fourth fraternity to get suspended during the 2017-18 academic school year.

Sigma Alpha Mu was banned following a probe into hazing. Alpha Epsilon Pi was suspended in February for unsafe conduct involving a new member.

While Delta Tau Delta was also reportedly suspended last fall for hazing.

Students held a rally on campus in support of social awareness and campus unity after the video emerged on social media. 



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk