BY: TAINAYA NASH & ZSHEKINAH COLLIER
This article has been updated to include statements from Chi Omega Eta Lambda, and the Black Caucus Committee.
Nani Martin, a new member of Chi Omega Eta Lambda Chapter, a sorority at American University, was recorded saying the N-word while in the bathroom with another member of the sorority. The video went viral Tuesday, Feb. 18, but it is unclear when the incident occurred.
Martin made a public apology on Instagram stating that she had, "no harmful intent."
"I am absolutely not a racist…," said Martin in a public apology on her Instagram story.
Black students on campus, have taken to social media to express that it is less about her intentions and more about her impact.
Aneisa Babkir, a Black student at American re-posted the video of Martin on her Instagram story along with a response that said, "We are not only appalled that you even said this, but even more disappointed by your reaction afterwards....Posting it could have been avoided had you realized the gravity of your words and actions and attempted to learn from it- but you didn't."
Martin acknowledges the fact that she should have never said the word in the first place. And intends to reach out to organizations like the Black Student Union, the university, and her sorority to personally apologize.
Chi Omega also released a public statement on Instagram stating, "The sisters of Chi Omega are deeply angered and disappointed by this behavior, and under no circumstances will this or ANY racist act ever be tolerated within our organization."
In a second public statement made on Feb.19, Chi Omega said, "The women involved in the video were immediately removed from all Chi Omega communications and social affiliations with our chapter." The statement has since been removed from the sorority's Instagram page.
On Thursday, Feb. 20 the Black Caucus Committee released a statement that said, "There are no excuses justifying the use of the n-word. Understanding why the n-word is harmful is only the foundation of understanding anti-racism. It is simple, but this student failed."
This incident is more significant than some because of its timing. February is Black History month, a time of remembrance and celebration within the Black community.
However, this is not the first racist incident that has occurred this semester involving members of greek life, it is the second. The first incident involved Sigma Alpha Mu- Delta Beta, a fraternity at American, planning a WWlll themed party located in Iran.
Chi Omega released an additional statement on Feb. 20 announcing that the students involved were removed from the organization and the sorority will prioritize educating members about racial inequality, and injustice by working with American's Center for Diversity and Inclusion and The Antiracist Research and Policy Center.
The Blackprint reached out to the Chi Omega Eta Lambda chapter president listed on Campus Labs. However, another individual is listed on the Panhellenic Council web page. We are still awaiting a comment, and due to there being different names listed on each site are unable to confirm the president at this time.
We will continue to update this story as we gather more information.
