Syracuse "suspends Theta Tau fraternity after video of ‘extremely racist’ behavior surfaces"

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@simba9 I would hope that the military would no longer allow the disgusting racist behavior that you describe went on. It is not okay. It is repulsive. I too am jewish and this whole thing makes me sick to my stomach. It is white nationalism on display. This type of behavior lead to the rise of Hitler who killed 6 million jews. I am not okay with that.

Don Lemon on CNN has segments on what this type of racist behavior feels like to people of color. You may want to listen to it. It is not pretty. This type of behavior leads to police shooting first and asking questions later when dealing with blacks.

SU has a code of conduct.

“Students have the right not to be discriminated against by any agent or organization of Syracuse University for reasons of age, creed, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or any other protected class as described by law. In their individual roles as members of student organizations, students have the responsibility not to discriminate against others.”

“Syracuse University is dedicated to promoting a safe and healthy campus environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors. In addition, Syracuse University is committed to promoting an environment that fosters respect for the dignity and rights of all its community members. As such, the University will not tolerate hazing activities by any individuals, groups, teams, or recognized student organizations. For more information regarding Syracuse University’s Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities call the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at 315.443.3728 or the Office of the Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs at 315.443.4357 for more information”

“In addition, Syracuse University defines hazing to include any action that intentionally or recklessly causes or poses a substantial risk of harm to the mental or physical health or safety of one or more persons. Subjecting any person to and/or encouraging any person to commit an act that violates human dignity, the Code of Student Conduct, or the law for the purpose of initiating, promoting, fostering, or confirming any form of affiliation with a group or organization is prohibited. The express or implied consent of participants or victims will not be a defense.”

It is not confusing or mud in the slightest. They intentionally and wantonly violated the code of conduct. These students need to go somewhere else. They are wasting their money on a lawsuit

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It was racist language, but the people who were engaged in it weren’t racists. If they were, they wouldn’t have been able to operate within the military, where you have to be able to work with people of all races and ethnicities. They (we) were joking around, that’s all. That’s why I’m not going to automatically jump to the conclusion that the kids in the video were hardened racists.

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Actually it is quite muddy. There is a hearing Friday so there may be some hints there. It is even questionable if they violated the code of conduct the way the university has it written, but that is only one of the six claims. I do believe students should honor the intent of codes of conduct but I equally believe universities have the same obligation to follow their own rules and should also be held accountable.

Personally I think it is a stretch to call the roast hazing but I tend to be pretty liberal when it comes to restricting people’s rights of free association and free speech even when it is an association or speech I don’t agree with.

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@simba9 So what do you personally call someone who uses racist language? I haven’t seen anyone equate these men with someone like David Duke. You can be racist and work with people whom you hold prejudicial beliefs about. Heck, you can hold racists views against your own children.

We are becoming more aware how speech, whether purposefully or in jest, has the power to pass down, over and over, practices that have historically and presently kept down minorities in real ways. Thoughts, views, and laws have been changing at a more rapid pace. It is time for others to catch up to the real and present dangers words and actions have.

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Simba, I get that this goes on in many organizations. However, just because you as a Jew is ok with racial bantering, it does not mean others are ok with it. As a minority, feel sorry for these kids who have to be punished but Syracuse Univ has no choice. Tell me, would you and your Jewish friends make racial jokes about whites, blacks etc in a skit when you guys get together? Racial bantering among kinda close mates is a different thing.

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As the DA said in that town, moronic is not illegal… the question is did the uni follow their process in assessing punishment. The uni says “they are still investigating” and their actions were to protect the frat members from the other students on campus. I have to wonder. I would not label the name calling the university administration engaged in as a teachable moment. There was alot of labeling and name calling by both sides. Neither side comes off smelling like roses.

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MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Is there anything left to say that has not been said? I’m thinking not. Regardless, the discussion has devolved into a debate, so I am closing.