Sigma Phi Epsilon, a fraternity at the University of Mississippi, was suspended Friday by it’s national chapter. A noose was put around the neck of the statue on campus of James Meredith, the first black student to enroll in the then all-white college. There was also a Georgia flag containing a confederate emblem found.
Following this incident, the fraternity expelled three of its freshman members and turned their identities over to the police. The vandalism of the statue could result in federal charges. The university plans to take disciplinary action through a judicial panel.
Chancellor Daniel W. Jones stated, “These individuals chose our university’s most visible symbol of unity and educational accessibility to express their disagreement with our values. Their ideas have no place here, and our response will be an even greater commitment to promoting the values that are engraved on the statue — Courage, Knowledge, Opportunity, and Perseverance.”
This extremely racist incident calls into question the idea of hazing and xenophobia. The students that have taken on the blame of this horrendous act are freshman who were just initiated into the fraternity. As the investigation continues to proceed, the logistics of university initiating processes will be thoroughly reflected on. In addition, this heinous act illuminates the fact that racism is still prevalent in our 21st century society. The university does not only have to punish those responsible, they must also work on the social culture within the university.