Update: Jean Delance Decommits From Oklahoma Over Frat Chants And SAE Doors Are Officially Closed
Update: University of Oklahoma President David Boren has just tweeted another statement. He has expelled the two students seen leading the chant because “The chant was not only heard by those on a bus, but also impacted the entire university community.”
I have acted today to expel two students who were leaders in the singing of a racist chant. See press release – DBo pic.twitter.com/VypOiVqXi7
— David Boren (@President_Boren) March 10, 2015
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After a weekend filled with scandal, it appears the fallout has begin to hit the University of Oklahoma. High school junior Jean Delance has decided to decommit from the school. And while many have pointed out that he has been wavering the last few months and his backing down from the Sooners’ offer was eventual, the racist video still played an important role.
I wouldn’t totally conflate Jean Delance’s decommitment from OU with SAE scandal. Figured this was coming after Texas, A&M offers.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) March 9, 2015
Originally, he posted a quick Twitter post stating that he wanted to thank the Sooners organization for the offer, “but I have officially de-committed from Oklahoma University. Nothing to do with the staff or team, I’ll be reopening my recruitment.”
— Jean Delance (@JeanDelance74) March 9, 2015
Following this post, he was contacted by Bob Przybylo of Sooners Illustrated and there he confirmed that the racist chant factored into his decision.
#Scout150 OL @JeanDelance74 was clearly disturbed by the racist frat video from #OU last night, no longer committed to #Sooners
— Bob Przybylo (@BPrzybylo) March 9, 2015
Something he further confirmed in an interview with a local news station.
Since then, has announced through his Twitter page that he has fielded offers from various schools including Alabama.
A decommittment hits Oklahoma wear it hurts, but this problem is also bigger than football and needed to be addressed quickly. Oklahoma President David Boren decided to respond swiftly and appropriately.
First and foremost, they decided to disband the SAE chapter of their university and then suspended all of their members accordingly — a further investigation could result in the students’ expulsion.
Updated statement attached – DBo pic.twitter.com/xxfiJwCh0P
— David Boren (@President_Boren) March 9, 2015
Following this statement, the SAE logo was taken down from the house and all members had to remove their items by midnight: but they did so with a police escort because many feared for these kids’ lives.
OU Facilities Management is taking the letters off of the SAE house @OUDaily pic.twitter.com/9juu4UaTvF
— Daisy (@daisycreager) March 9, 2015
Must be moved out of house by midnight Tuesday —> RT @KOCOwendell: #SAE Frat members moving out. pic.twitter.com/qu8AfHFkJD
— Austin Hunt (@AustinHunt) March 9, 2015
Cops have surrounded #SigmaAlphaEpsilon fraternity house. Police officers on bikes & foot in the area #SAE #OU @NEWS9 pic.twitter.com/MvesHm41rj
— Heather HOPE (@HeatherHopeTV) March 9, 2015
As for other reactions to the video and the president’s actions: Sooners potential recruit Dontavious Jackson told Bob Przybylo that the suspension of the Frat “let me know the whole university doesn’t think like that.”
#Sooners LB target @DCinco__5 on #OU going fwd after racial video: "Don't think it will play a big role."
— Bob Przybylo (@BPrzybylo) March 10, 2015
#Sooners LB target @DCinco__5 on #OU's actions: "It let me know the whole univ. doesn't think like that. It's (video) not acceptable."
— Bob Przybylo (@BPrzybylo) March 10, 2015
Students are still outraged and protesting the incident: with one person even defacing the SAE’s former house with the words “tear it down.”
#BreakingNews "Tear It Down" spray painted just now on side #SigmaAlphaEpsilon house. #SAE #OU @NEWS9 @rustysurette pic.twitter.com/FooJrlqPq5
— Heather HOPE (@HeatherHopeTV) March 9, 2015
The University of Oklahoma has a lot of cleaning up to do: the findings of an investigation has the potential to negatively effect the football program and the campus. But it also became the latest example of the racism problem in America: something no college wants to be.
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