Reports of slurs prompt Missouri fraternity suspension

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A fraternity at the University of Missouri has been suspended while officials investigate reports of racial and sexist slurs directed at black students.

The Delta Upsilon national organization suspended its chapter at the university Wednesday after an incident in which members were accused of shouting slurs at black students late Tuesday, The Columbia Daily Tribune reported.

Justin Kirk, executive director of Delta Upsilon International, said in a statement the emergency suspension would be in effect while the incident is investigated.

"Racism and sexism have no place in our fraternity and we expect our members to be positive contributors to inclusive campus environments," Kirk said.

The incident began late Tuesday night when a group of white students walked past two members of the Legion of Black Collegians' Activities Committee.

The legion said in a statement one of the white students yelled a racial slur at the women, who then contacted other legion members. Police then arrived.

"It was at this moment, outside the Delta Upsilon Fraternity house, that while police were attempting to de-escalate the situation, members of the fraternity began recording the interaction, as well as shouting a variety of obscenities at the Committee," the statement said. The legion said those obscenities included a racial slur.

The incident follows campus turmoil last year, when student protests over what some saw as administrators' indifference to racial issues culminated with the resignations of some university leaders.

The university said university police have identified the students involved in Tuesday's incident, and the Office of Student Conduct and the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX have been notified and "are taking appropriate action."

Interim chancellor Hank Foley said in a statement he was "outraged and saddened" to hear about the incident. He said students who violate the university's nondiscrimination policy can face expulsion.

"We have zero tolerance for actions like this," Foley said.

Information from: Columbia Daily Tribune, http://www.columbiatribune.com