A former Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity member at the University of Oklahoma is finally speaking out and issuing an apology after he was caught leading the racist chant that led to the closing of the SAE chapter.
Levi Pettit gave a public apology at a press conference attended by several Black Oklahoma City community leaders, pastors, and civil rights activists.
He said in his statement:
“Some have wondered why I hadn’t spoken out publicly. The truth is I have had a mix of pain, shame, sorrow and fear over the consequences of my actions,” said Pettit, whose voice quivered slightly as he spoke. “I did not want to apologize to the press or to the whole country until I first came to apologize to those most directly impacted.”
Pettit did not state where he learned the chant, but did explain further in his statement:
“The truth is what was said in that chant is disgusting … and after meeting with these people I’ve learned these words should never be repeated.”
State Sen. Anastasia Pittman revealed that it was Pettit himself who reached out to her to coordinate the meeting:
“I admire his courage of reaching out to me and saying: ‘I want to meet with you face to face and apologize to you directly,'” said Pittman, D-Oklahoma City. “I believe he is sincere.”
This is the first time Pettit, who was just one of the students who was expelled for his participation in the racist chant, has spoken out on the incident.
Since then, the SAE chapter has been disbanded at the University, and officials say more disciplinary action could be taken.
SOURCE: NBC DFW | VIDEO CREDIT: NDN | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
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In Case You Didn’t Know, Here Are 5 Famous (Or Infamous) Members Of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
UPDATED: 2 Oklahoma Students Apologize For Racist Frat Chant Video
Listen to Roland Martin and the “NewsOne Now” Straight Talk panel discuss Levi Pettit’s apology in the audio clip below.
Be sure to watch “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 9 a.m. EST on TV One.
Former University Of Oklahoma Frat Member Speaks Out After Leading Racist Chant was originally published on globalgrind.com
