Ole Miss Fraternity Takes Action: Student Expelled For Racist Gestures
DEBARYLIFE – A student at Ole Miss was kicked out of his fraternity after it was claimed that he made racist gestures during a demonstration in support of Palestinian rights.
The University of Mississippi is conducting an investigation into the event, which was caught on camera during a contentious conversation at a demonstration. Widespread criticism was sparked by the video, which included the student mocking a monkey in a mocking gesture directed at a Black female protestor.
“The racist actions in the video were those of an individual and are antithetical to the values of Phi Delta Theta and the Mississippi Alpha chapter,” the fraternity said in a statement obtained by Fox 13 Memphis, indicating that they quickly severed relations with the person.
The notification from the fraternity, which was available on their website, explained that the member had been removed last Friday. The fraternity’s disapproval was reflected in the university’s reaction to the altercation.
In addition to reiterating the university’s commitment to enabling people to openly express their opinions, Glenn Boyce, the chancellor, stressed that remarks made last week were “offensive and unacceptable.”
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About thirty demonstrators had gathered last week in a cordoned area outside the main library, holding signs that said “Free, free Palestine” and “Stop the Genocide,” according to WREG. About 200 counterprotesters wearing American flags and other regalia resembling symbols of pride in the country responded to the protest. Pro-Palestine demonstrators and hecklers were kept apart by the presence of campus police and the dean of students.
In a social media repost of a video featuring counterprotesters singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves seemed to be publicly endorsing them. He wrote, “Warms my heart.” I adore Mississippi!”, the Democrat and Chronicle reported.
Information about the incident is still circulating, with a video that was taken by student journalist Stacey J. Spiehler being crucial in capturing the altercations that led to the reactions of the fraternity and institution.
Discussions about creating a campus environment that is both supportive of free speech and intolerant of hate speech are at the top of the university’s list of pressing issues as the fallout from the student’s conduct continues.