( CNN ) The national office of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity changed its tune . Just two weeks ago , the national office condemned a racist chant that resulted in the shutdown of the University of Oklahoma SAE chapter , saying , `` The national fraternity does not teach such a racist , hateful chant , and this chant is not part of any education or training . '' The fraternity brothers probably `` learned the song from fellow chapter members , '' SAE said . But in a Friday statement , the SAE national office said otherwise . The OU chapter , SAE said , `` likely learned a racist chant while attending a national leadership school about four years ago . '' The fraternity invites hundreds of leaders to a six-day conference every year , SAE said . `` While attendees have little social time , there are occasions when participants can gather socially , '' the statement said . `` [ Executive Director Blaine ] Ayers said it is likely that during one of these social gatherings , some members shared the racist song that was recorded on video at the University of Oklahoma and shared through social media earlier this month . '' Ayers said the organization has no evidence the chant is widespread across the fraternity 's 237 groups . `` Our investigation to date shows no evidence the song was widely shared across the broader organization , '' Ayers said . `` The song is horrific and does not at all reflect our values as an organization . '' But OU President David Boren , in revealing details of the university investigation on Friday , said the chant was an integral part of life in the local chapter . `` Over time the chant was formalized in the local SAE chapter and was taught to pledges as part of the formal and informal leadership process , '' he said . `` It is clear that during the four years since the chant was brought to the university campus , its existence was known by recent members and ... it became part of the institutionalized culture of the chapter . '' Boren said `` alcohol was readily available at the fraternity house '' on March 7 and some chapter members were drinking . He also said about a dozen high school students had been invited to the event and `` were exposed to the chant . '' The chant was discovered by the school newspaper and a student organization , which received the video clip via anonymous messages . The video shows party-bound students on a bus clapping , pumping their fists and laughing as they chant , `` There will never be a ni**** SAE . You can hang him from a tree , but he can never sign with me . There will never be a ni**** SAE . '' The university cut ties with Sigma Alpha Epsilon after the video surfaced , as did the national fraternity , and both launched investigations . The university has disciplined fraternity members with punishment ranging from permanent withdrawals to sensitivity training . Fraternity officers have issued apologies . SAE issued questions-and-answers about the controversy , noting the fraternity plans to hire a director of diversity and inclusion . About 20 % of SAE members self-identify as a minority or non-Caucasian , SAE said .
Sigma Alpha Epsilon 's national office issues a statement about racist chant . SAEUniversity of Oklahoma SAE members `` likely '' learned chant at a national frat conference , University of Oklahoma SAE says .