NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — The University of Oklahoma released public apologies Tuesday from two former students who were involved in a video in which one of the women wore black face paint and used a racial epithet.
The school said the written apologies, in which both women said they never intended to hurt anyone, were sent to the Office of University Community on Saturday, a day after <a target=”—blank” href=”https://apnews.com/5fc865ea76da4b6292229bd7d188097b”>the video surfaced</a> . University President James Gallogly announced Monday that <a target=”—blank” href=”https://apnews.com/47ecc05128de4b93b31891126e11ba26″>both women had voluntarily withdrawn from campus.</a>
Frances Ford said in her statement that the video was “insensitive and irresponsible,” adding: “I am truly heartbroken over this mistake and deeply regret any adverse reactions.” Olivia Urban called the video “the most regrettable decision of my life.”
“My heart hurts to see the traumatic impact my words and actions have had on those who have been hurt of my behalf,” Urban said. “There is no excuse for this behavior, in private or in public.”
Phone messages left Tuesday by The Associated Press at numbers listed for Urban and Ford were not immediately returned.
A student rally is planned on campus Tuesday afternoon.
The university <a target=”—blank” href=”https://apnews.com/2915e1e4cd2b475fa8fcb201ab5b8ecc”>severed ties with a fraternity in 2015</a> after several members took part in a chant caught on video that referenced lynching.
