Vegas Free-for-All - University of Oklahoma fraternity caught singing a racist chant

University of Oklahoma fraternity caught singing a racist chant

jatki

Mar 10, 2015
6:28am

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Originally posted by: Tutontow

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Originally posted by: DonDiego
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Originally posted by: Boilerman
I'll have to consider this further. PJ brings up good points.

Just so.

DonDiego considered the free speech issue before endorsing the University's decision to ban the fraternity from campus. He concluded that political free speech should be pretty nearly beyond any Government interference, but some speech is simply unacceptable and subject to prohibition. The National Fraternity Organization has already shut done the University of Oklahoma chapter. Hey! It's only Oklahoma after all.

DonDiego is not of the opinion that this particular act deserves any more significant punishment; e.g. the students should not be expelled. Fraternity Boys singing a bawdy song with racist lyrics should not receive a life altering punishment.

Very well said DD. Many of us, myself included, did some mighty stupid things in our younger days. Fortunately the internet and cameras weren't everywhere. I am glad some of the things I said or did are not preserved for all to see.

Agreed. I certainly did some pretty stupid things in my youger days.

Tutontow

Mar 10, 2015
7:26am

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I must say the punishment seems excessive. My bet is the school was trying to avoid a bunch of protest etc. Let's try a different scenario. The sooners are playing for a national title and the ringleader is the starting QB.

agnes

Mar 10, 2015
9:05am

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Originally posted by: Tutontow
I must say the punishment seems excessive. My bet is the school was trying to avoid a bunch of protest etc. Let's try a different scenario. The sooners are playing for a national title and the ringleader is the starting QB.

Thank you, Tutontow. FINALLY someone here is getting close to understanding what's going on at OU. You all here going down your political, free speech, and moral rabbit holes.

K.I.S.S. It's Oklahoma! It's all about the football!

Breaking news! One recruit has already de-commited! In Oklahoma that is much bigger news than 2 non-athletes being expelled.

alanleroy

Mar 10, 2015
10:32am

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Originally posted by: DonDiego
Fraternity Boys singing a bawdy song with racist lyrics should not receive a life altering punishment.

Perhaps if they didn't understand the evil nature of racism they should have their lives altered in some fashion....as a lesson...to correct their racist thinking.

Getting kicked out of OU isn't the end of the world. They'll survive somehow. Perhaps DonDiego would have preferred sensitivity training, but I don't think that sends a strong enough message. Maybe they could be offered a choice between expelling and living in the Dorms for a semester...with a Black Athlete Roommate...working as his part time Manservant.

Boilerman

Mar 10, 2015
10:46am

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So, Alanleroy believes that the government should financially penalize free speech?

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Originally posted by: alanleroy

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Originally posted by: DonDiego
Fraternity Boys singing a bawdy song with racist lyrics should not receive a life altering punishment.

snidely333

Mar 10, 2015
10:50am

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Originally posted by: Boilerman
So, Alanleroy believes that the government should financially penalize free speech?

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Originally posted by: alanleroy
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Originally posted by: DonDiego
Fraternity Boys singing a bawdy song with racist lyrics should not receive a life altering punishment.

Perhaps if they didn't understand the evil nature of racism they should have their lives altered in some fashion....as a lesson...to correct their racist thinking.

Getting kicked out of OU isn't the end of the world. They'll survive somehow. Perhaps DonDiego would have preferred sensitivity training, but I don't think that sends a strong enough message. Maybe they could be offered a choice between expelling and living in the Dorms for a semester...with a Black Athlete Roommate...working as his part time Manservant.

It's like taking away a tax break. They didn't give a financial penalty, they took away a financial perk.

alanleroy

Mar 10, 2015
11:10am

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Originally posted by: Boilerman
So, Alanleroy believes that the government should financially penalize free speech?

alanleroy believes that when these students were admitted to The University of Oklahoma they agreed to a Student Conduct Code which they violated. They forfeited their free ride at OU based on their behavior. It's no one's fault but their own. The government isn't restricting their Free Speech. They can sing racist chants in the public square all they want. Just don't expect taxpayers to continue to fund their bad behavior.

Roulette Man

Mar 10, 2015
11:43am

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Originally posted by: DonDiego

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Originally posted by: pjstroh
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Originally posted by: DonDiego
What's wrong with allowing [female] students to wear bikinis in school ? . . . or anywhere else, for that matter?
Be careful what you wish for...

If that is a female student, . . . DonDiego has been out of school longer than he'd thought.

It just might be. I don't see any kind of package sticking out down there. It looks about as flat as can be.

malibber2

Mar 10, 2015
2:58pm

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Generally free speech rights end when you threaten, bully or intimidate someone. Chanting a song where you celebrate the lynching of African Americans would qualify as intimidation even if that was not the intent. Free speech in an academic environment would be where your professor asks you if you think discrimination against minorities is still a problem and you responded that reverse discrimination against white folks is the real problem. While you would probably be laughed out of the classroom by your classmates for such a foolish notion, you could not be punished.

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by how swiftly the University dealt with this. I'd say good job!