Former OU Students Issue Apologies After Racist Video

Two former OU students at the center of a controversial Snapchat video say they're sorry.

News On 6 got a copy of the letters written by the Tulsa and Bixby natives, who withdrew from OU after posting a video in blackface and using a racial slur.

One of the girls said, "There is no excuse for this type of behavior in public or in private. My intent was not to hurt, diminish or degrade anybody ... I am deeply sorry and hope to learn from my mistake.

The other girl said, "Although insensitive and irresponsible, it was never my intention to hurt or humiliate anyone. I am truly heartbroken over this mistake and deeply regret any adverse reaction."

OU president Jim Gallogly promises to increase efforts to recruit more faculty and students of color. The OU Black Student Association is hosting a "Rally to Stop Racism" on the South Oval of the Norman campus Tuesday afternoon.

First letter: 

Dear OU Community,                                                                                                                                      January 19, 2019

On behalf of the OU community and all diverse communities, I sincerely apologize for my actions. Although insensitive and irresponsible, it was never my intention to hurt or humiliate anyone. I am truly heartbroken over this mistake and deeply regret any adverse reactions. Continuing education and awareness in such matters will ensure my lifelong dedication to racial equality.

Second Letter: 

On the night of january 18th, i made the most regrettable decision of my life. I went against my common knowledge and disrespected a community i love. I’m deeply sorry to the individuals, families, and communities that i hurt. My heart hurts to see the traumatic impact my words and actions have had on those who have been hurt of my behalf. There is no excuse for this behavior, in private or in public. My intent was not to hurt, diminish, or degrade anybody inside or outside the OU community. I failed to consider at the time that my moment of ignorance disrespected a lifetime of hurt due to actions like mine in the past. I understand that actions like mine are an ongoing struggle within the black community and i hope to not only better educate myself from this but to make a difference in this ignorant behavior in the future. There is no acceptable excuse for my actions, I am deeply sorry and hope to learn from my mistake.

January 19th, 2019