SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Two of 18 students facing a Syracuse University disciplinary hearing for videos that surfaced have accepted the proposed sanctions, according to an emailed statement from Chancellor Kent Syverud.

Hearings will continue for the remaining 16 students in the investigation into the Theta Tau, an engineering fraternity which was expelled after two videos. The content of the videos was described as sexist, racist, homophobic and offensive to people with disabilities.

What exactly the sanctions which were agreed to are was not disclosed.

The University Conduct Board will issue decisions following the conculsion of the hearings and should any party want to appeal, the case will go to the university Appeals Board.

Syverud stated that none of the 18 students will participate in Commencement or Commencement-related activities.

According to law professor Gregory Germaine, who is advising some of the students, the potential violations included sexual harassment, physical harm or threat, harassment, and more.

In other sections of the email, the university has hired a new human resources member to provide support in "diversity hiring," according to Syverud.

  • "Academic leaders have indicated that, starting this fall semester, every school and college will offer a consistent curriculum of cultural competencies—including ethics and integrity, and diversity and inclusion—as part of their first year forum or program introductory course."

The university will release that curriculum design by June 15.