A University of Georgia fraternity chapter on campus is being suspended. According to a report from ABC News, the suspension comes from the national chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon after a racist video surfaced online that shows members whipping others and making references to picking cotton.
Four members of the chapter were expelled for their participation in the video.
In the video, you can hear members of the fraternity making comments like “Pick my cotton, b—-” and “Pick my cotton, n—–.”
The national chapter condemned the actions in a statement.
“Tau Kappa Epsilon is disgusted, appalled and angered by the remarks shown in the video,” the national chapter statement read. “TKE does not condone or support any actions by its members that would be defined as racist, discriminatory, and/or offensive.
“Since 1899, our fraternity has taken much pride in the diversity and uniqueness of our membership,” the statement continued. “Tau Kappa Epsilon has never had an exclusionary clause in our membership. Our founders believed, as we do today, in the personal worth and character of the individual, not his wealth, rank, or honor.”
The university also condemned the video and said an internal investigation will be carried out.
“The University of Georgia condemns racism in the strongest terms,” the school said in a statement. “Racism has no place on our campus. We will continue our efforts to promote a welcoming and supportive learning environment for our students, faculty and staff.
“The fraternity has been suspended by its national organization,” it continued. “Whenever we receive complaints of racist or discriminatory conduct, we refer such matters to our Equal Opportunity Office in accordance with applicable laws and policies.”
While the university continues its investigation into the fraternity members, they will continue to be enrolled at the school.
