Ole Miss Launches Probe Into Video of Students Making Racist Gestures

The University of Mississippi opened a formal investigation after a video circulated on social media showing two students making gestures near a resident's doorbell camera.

The footage, which a parent posted online, was recorded by a Ring camera mounted on an apartment door. It shows two young women walking past the entrance while making monkey sounds and accompanying hand movements.

The parent said the video captured her daughter, a freshman at the university, who lives with two Black roommates. The incident drew immediate attention from school officials who reviewed the clip.

A university spokesperson called the actions in the video offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable. The school confirmed that appropriate offices are actively reviewing the incident to determine next steps.

The spokesperson noted that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, limits what the university can disclose about student conduct cases and any resulting disciplinary actions.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead addressed the campus community in a message posted on the university website. She stated that the behavior depicted in the video does not reflect the university's values or the community it strives to be.

Mead described the conduct as deeply troubling and unacceptable. She said staff have already contacted the affected students to provide support as the investigation proceeds.

Mead acknowledged that the incident has caused concern among students. She emphasized that the matter is being taken seriously and that the university is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members of the campus community.

The vice chancellor also urged students to be careful about sharing information online. She noted that one student has already been incorrectly identified in social media posts.

Mead clarified that no members of the university's sorority community were involved in the incident, despite rumors circulating online. She affirmed that every student deserves to feel safe and respected, stating that racism has no place in the campus community.