Racist Chant Leader To Make Public Apology
NORMAN, Okla. (CBSDFW.COM) - A public apology is expected Wednesday from Levi Pettit, the Highland Park High School graduate who was seen leading a racist fraternity chant. The former University of Oklahoma student is set to speak, in Oklahoma, for the first time since video of the chant leaked onto the internet.
The video included the university's branch of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, shutting down the fraternity, getting Pettit removed from the school, and sparking national outrage. Pettit's parents already apologized for the incident earlier this month.
Pettit will first meet behind closed doors with pastors, students, and African American community leaders at a Baptist church in Oklahoma. This is expected to be a round-table conversation focusing on African American struggles. Pettit will then speak at a news conference with State Sen. Anastasia Pittman, who is also the chairperson for the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus.
Pittman wants Pettit to hear stories from the civil rights movement, from people who experienced it firsthand. She also wants him to think about the names and faces of those who have been impacted by racial tensions when he delivers his apology, in hopes that healing can begin. "I would like for this to be an educational opportunity," Pittman said.
Pettit has already admitted to Pittman that his words were disgraceful and ignorant. "I believe his apology is genuine," Pittman added. "I do not believe he's racist."
Pittman said that this will not be Pettit's one and only appearance. The two are working together to find ways for him to become a lifelong advocate for the African American community. "We have to teach the next generation," Pittman said on Wednesday morning.
Parker Rice, another Oklahoma student from the Dallas area, also played a leading role in the video. He has issued an apology, but has since said nothing more about the incident.