Our neighborhood is at the center of a national outrage that has dominated the news this week. One of the OU students seen leading his fraternity brothers in a racist chant caught on video was a recent Jesuit graduate.
The university swiftly shut down the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Jesuit president Mike Earsing released a statement condemning the behavior:
“I am appalled by the actions in the video and extremely hurt by the pain this has caused our community. It is unconscionable and very sad that in 2015 we still live in a society where this type of bigotry and racism takes place. All of us at Jesuit Dallas are deeply committed to create a culture of justice and equality for all. This was certainly true when the School became the first in Dallas to integrate and it is true today.”
The alumnus apologized (along with the parents of another culprit, a Highland Park native), calling it a “horrible mistake,” a “devastating lesson” and that he ignored the values taught to him by Jesuit and his parents. He also withdrew from OU.
His parents, who still live in the neighborhood, left their home amid the media frenzy and personal threats. In their absence, a small group of activists from the Next Generation Action Network protested in front of the house, insisting “the world needs to know where he comes from,” and that this should not be easily forgotten after a quick apology.
This type of behavior is nothing new among frats and sororities, and not unique to these individuals. The 10-second video evidence reflects the “rigidity of racism” even among millennials. Media around the country have spent all week analyzing the event. The Dallas Morning News’ Rudolph Bush asks whether the men on that bus are evil or simply “followed their herd to a bad place.”
Some more news bits from this week:
Someone rented a yellow Lamborghini, crashed it on the Dallas North Tollway near Royal Lane and fled.
Here’s a quickie guide on how to eat cheap at TJ’s Seafood Market.
Dallas Eater lists the city best doughnut shops, including a few from our neighborhood.
