High profile awyer says goal is to protect rights of fraternity members

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A high-profile attorney hired by alumni of a fraternity chapter at the University of Oklahoma says the actions of some student members caught engaging in a racist chant are inexcusable, but members still have rights that must be protected.

Attorney Stephen Jones said Friday members of the fraternity and their parents also are concerned about the students’ safety after some received physical and verbal abuse, even death threats.

Jones said he was retained by alumni members who serve on the board of the university’s local Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter. He says he has not been retained to initiate any litigation, but to ensure the due process rights of members are protected from actions by the university and national chapter.

Jones is known for representing convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.