SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) - A fraternity at Syracuse University has been suspended after a video was released showing members engaged in extremely racist behavior. Students on campus are shocked and angered by the video.
University officials describe the Theta Tau video as anti-Semitic, homophobic and sexist. Hundreds of students participated in a protest and dialogue on campus Wednesday. Student Association President James Franco said students expressed their feelings, shared their experiences, and discussed actions that could be taken.
"I think it's starting to be productive and concentrating our emotions towards action, towards a game plan to improve our campus community," Franco said. "I think we definitely can be better, and I think we definitely will be better. It's hard to put into word how appalling it was, how antithetical to who I am, to who I thought who are community is, who I thought my fellow students around me are. I think for the most part that is true, I don't think that represents are community."
Franco said those involved should be expelled and Theta Tau should be removed for good.
“I do think that instances like this happen often," Franco said. "I think if there is only one good thing to come from this, it’s that it was a lens into a world that is covered every day but happens every day as an experience of students every day on this campus.”
SU Chancellor Kent Syverud said there will be a top to bottom review of all Greek life and implicit bias and inclusion training for its member. In a Facebook post, the Theta Tau national office described the actions as disgraceful, but not as initially reported, a hazing ritual.