Ole Miss launches investigation into viral video of racist gestures
University officials confirmed they are reviewing the incident after a clip showed three women making monkey noises outside a student residence.
By Alexei Brooks ·
The University of Mississippi has opened a formal investigation into an incident that erupted into a campus-wide controversy this week. The probe began after a Ring doorbell camera captured three women making racist gestures outside an off-campus apartment. The residence is home to three Black students, including an African-American freshman whose mother, Tasha Bolton, released the footage.
The video shows three white women walking past the front door of the apartment. As they pass, two of the women are seen making monkey noises. The clip gained traction on social media platforms on Saturday. By Sunday, the university had issued a public response addressing the behavior and the ongoing review process.
Tasha Bolton contacted local media to share the video. Her daughter, who is a freshman at Ole Miss, lives in the apartment with two other Black roommates. Bolton stated she is holding her own comments until she has a chance to speak with university officials. The video has drawn reactions from students and visitors in Oxford who were not directly involved in the incident.
Olivia Landgreve, a sophomore who does not live at the apartment, expressed frustration over the clip. She noted that the incident felt like a setback for the progress she believes the campus has made. Landgreve said she was shocked because she had not previously experienced similar treatment while walking on campus.
Jamie Purcell, a visitor from California, reacted to the footage after seeing it shared locally. She described the behavior as incorrect and noted that people generally should know better. Purcell had not seen the video before it was shown to her during an interview.
The university released a statement on Sunday condemning the actions as offensive and unacceptable. Officials said they have contacted the targeted students to provide information, resources, and support. The statement confirmed that appropriate university offices are actively investigating the incident.
The university noted that student conduct cases and potential disciplinary actions are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. This means specific records and outcomes will remain private. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the community and will follow established processes to ensure their well-being.
