Racist Zoombombs Oklahoma City University’s Online Graduation Ceremony

On May 9, Oklahoma City University held its graduation online on the Zoom platform. During the benediction offered by student Jay Williams, the hacker displayed a swastika and the word “nigger” on the screen.

Martha Burger, president of Oklahoma City University, issued a statement that said: “We are deeply hurt and saddened by the pain that has been inflicted upon our community. During a time that should have been focused on recognizing our graduating students, an unknown source was able to bypass the system and display racist and offensive language. The Class of 2020 has been champions of diversity and inclusion, and we will continue to show love and support to each other as a university family in the aftermath of this hate.”

Oklahoma City Univerity enrolls nearly 2,800 students according to the latest data supplied to the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 6 percent of the undergraduate student body.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University Launch Joint School of Public Health

The Joint School of Public Health at Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University will offer six new degree programs to students at both institutions, including a new Ph.D. program in health services research.

Seven Black Scholars Receive Faculty Appointments at Colleges and Universities

Here is this week’s roundup of Black scholars who have been appointed to new faculty positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States. If you have news for our appointments section, please email the information to contact@jbhe.com.

U.S. Department of State Facilitates Collaborative Conference for African Universities and HBCUs

The U.S. Department of State and the Mississippi Consortium for International Development recently organized a conference aimed at connecting leaders from African universities and HBCUs and strengthening global educational partnerships.

Barbara Savage Receives Book Award for Her Recent Biography of Merze Tate

The Before Columbus Foundation has honored Barbara Savage, professor emerita at the University of Pennsylvania, with their 2024 American Book Award for her book, Merze Tate: The Global Odyssey of a Black Woman Scholar.

Featured Jobs