The University of Mississippi is investigating a video circulated on TikTok that shows two White women making racist gestures outside an apartment shared by Black students.
Captured by a doorbell camera, the video shows three White women — confirmed to be University of Mississippi students who live in the same apartment building — walking outside the Black students’ apartment. Two of the White students appeared to briefly step toward the doorbell camera while beating their chests and making monkey sounds. The third woman glanced toward the camera, but did not appear to make any racist gestures.
“The behavior depicted in this video is deeply troubling, hurtful, and unacceptable,” reads a statement from Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for student affairs. “We condemn the behavior as it does not reflect our university’s values or the kind of community we strive to be every day.”
Dr. Mead’s statement outlines that the Office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct and the Office Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance are actively investigating the incident. According to the university, student privacy laws limit officials from sharing information about the involved students, including any potential disciplinary action.
“Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued at the University of Mississippi,” wrote Dr. Mead. “Racism and actions that disparage people because of an aspect of their identity have no place in our campus community. We remain committed to ensuring our actions reflect the foundational values of dignity and respect for every individual and fostering an environment where all students are cared for and feel they belong.”
