Two University of Oklahoma students expelled for racist video

NORMAN, Okla., March 10 (UPI) -- University of Oklahoma President David Boren announced Tuesday that two students identified as leaders in the singing of a racist chant have been expelled.

Boren said on Twitter the students "played a leadership role in the singing of the racist chant" and created a "hostile learning environment."

A video published by the student newspaper, The Oklahoma Daily, purportedly showed members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity: chanting, "There will never be a n***** in SAE."

Boren said, "I have emphasized that there is zero tolerance for this kind of threatening racist behavior at the University of Oklahoma. I hope that the entire nation will join us in having zero tolerance of such racism when it raises its ugly head in other situations across our country. I am extremely proud of the reaction and response expressed by our entire university family - students, faculty, staff, and alumni about this incident."

Meanwhile, a crowdfunding site has raised nearly $40,000 for the unemployed chef at the university's SAE chapter, which was banned from campus after the video surfaced.

The Indiegogo fund site was established for Howard Dixon on Sunday by former student Blake Burkhart. It had raised $37,225 toward its $50,000 goal by midday Tuesday.

"Those of you who lived in the house, undoubtedly came to love Howard and his infectious smile (if not his chili dogs). He was always there to chat with you and more importantly, to take care of (house mother) Mom B.," Burkhart wrote.

In addition to the expulsions, Boren said he would consider taking action under the Civil Rights act of 1964.

.@President_Boren has acted today to expel two students who were leaders in the singing of a racist chant. pic.twitter.com/qL8LmyA7Tu

— OU Sooners (@UofOklahoma) March 10, 2015