Parents Of Student In SAE Video Apologize, Say Son Is Not A Racist

Tuesday evening, the parents of Levi Pettit released a statement regarding their son's apparent presence in the now viral video of University of Oklahoma Sigma Alpha Epsilon members chanting racial slurs. 

Statement by Brody & Susan Pettit:

"As parents of Levi, we love him and care for him deeply. He made a horrible mistake, and will live with the consequences forever. However, we also know the depth of our son's character. He is a good boy, but what we saw in those videos is disgusting. While it may be difficult for those who only know Levi from the video to understand, we know his heart, and he is not a racist. We raised him to be loving and inclusive and we all remain surrounded by a diverse, close-knit group of friends.

We were as shocked and saddened by this news as anyone. Of course, we are sad for our son – but more importantly, we apologize to the community he has hurt. We would also like to apologize to the – entire African American community, University of Oklahoma student body and administration. Our family has the responsibility to apologize, and also to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Our words will only go so far – as a family, we commit to following our words with deeds.

To our friends and family, thank you for your kind comments and prayers. They are very comforting in this difficult time.

We ask that the media and public please respect our family's privacy as we come together to heal and determine next steps."

Tuesday, a Dallas school administrator identified another person in the video as Parker Rice, a former student of Jesuit College Preparatory School. 

3/10/2015 Related Story: Dallas School Says Graduate Parker Rice Led Racist Chant In SAE Video

OU President David Boren expelled two students as a result of the video, as well as shut down the local chapter of SAE. Boren, however, did not identify the two students expelled. 

3/10/2015 Related Story: OU President David Boren Expels 2 Students Related To Racist Video