UPDATE: International fraternity responds after WITN investigates racist social media post surrounding ECU fraternity

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - The international headquarters for an ECU fraternity issued a response Tuesday night after WITN reported on a racist post that has been shared on social media over the past few days surrounding an ECU fraternity that has upset many people.

The post was sent to us by several WITN viewers, so we looked into it.

It says “theta chi rush party. PNMs (potential new members) and girls only. No blacks. Girls 5$ @door. Call or text” and it includes a fraternity member’s name and number for an invitation.

On Sunday, the fraternity posted a statement on their Instagram page reading:

“As seen recently we are anonymously being associated with inappropriate and blasphemous behavior posted within the social app ‘Yik Yak’ but to clarify we fully uphold and respect our principle diversity and do not condone any action supporting hate.”

WITN’s Justin Lundy stopped by the Theta Chi house but was asked to leave the property.

Tuesday night the international headquarters for Theta Chi issued this response to WITN: “Theta Chi Fraternity is aware of accusations against Epsilon Iota Chapter at East Carolina University regarding an anonymous post made on a social media site. Epsilon Iota Chapter denies making this post, and, upon learning of its presence, promptly notified East Carolina University administrators. Theta Chi Fraternity International Headquarters staff, in consultation with university administrators, is investigating the origin of the post. Theta Chi Fraternity and the Epsilon Iota Chapter support accountability measures against the author of the post. Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 196,000 initiated members and has established 244 chapters. Theta Chi’s mission is to develop college-age men into successful students, good citizens, lifelong brothers, and resolute leaders. Racism and racist behavior run contrary to the ideals of Theta Chi and have no place within the Fraternity.”

We also reached out to ECU News Services, who provided this statement:

“In regards to the social media post in question, ECU has informed the appropriate campus offices and is responding in accordance with university policies. We remain committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive community for all.”

WITN can’t confirm who made the post.

Unfortunately, it is so easy to create fake accounts and fake posts today. The fraternity member’s name and number featured in the post are readily available on other platforms.

This is an important reminder to check what you’re looking at on social media before you share it.

WITN will continue to follow this story as ECU does its investigation.

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