In light of the controversy over the video featuring members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Oklahoma singing a racist chant, black students at the University of Washington say that they, too, have been subjected to racism at the hands of SAE members at their own campus.

Following the release of the infamous SAE video -- which shows members of the frat using the N-word and singing about lynching -- officials at the University of Washington have launched an investigation into claims that SAE fraternity members hurled racist slurs at black protesters last month. According to members of the Black Student Union at the Seattle-based college, members of the frat called African-Americans "apes" and harassed them as they took part in a Black Lives Matter demonstration near their frat house. As a result, officials at the university have launched an investigation into the claims.

"People were called monkeys and apes by members of SAE," said Maggie Negussie, president of the university's Black Student Union, to CNN.

She said the marchers choose to ignore the offensive words.

"At that time it was more important to continue marching," said Negussie, adding "that is not the only time" where African-American students were victimized by racism. "There are many of us who have those stories."

Another student told the Seattle Times he decided to let the incident go until the video of the Oklahoma fraternity members surfaced.

"It is concerning when you see something like this come up," Zane Suarez said.

In response to the allegations, University of Washington's SAE president, Michael Hickey, argues that the comments were made by non-members who were standing near the frat house.

"We pride ourselves in the diversity of our chapter membership and racism is against the moral ethics of our local and national organization," Hickey said in the statement.

The university's vice president for student life, Denzil J. Suite, said an investigation into the "grossly insensitive comments" is being conducted.

"If and when we can determine what occurred, we will take appropriate steps," he said.

Meanwhile, the school's Black Student Union has asked for an apology from the fraternity and asking officials to take disciplinary action against the group.