Ole Miss opens investigation after viral video captures racist gestures outside student apartment

A Ring doorbell video captured this week at the University of Mississippi shows three white women making monkey noises while passing the front door of an off-campus apartment. The recording depicts the women walking past the residence, which is shared by three Black students, before the clip spread across social media platforms on Saturday.

Tasha Bolton, the mother of one of the residents, provided the footage to local media. Her daughter is an African-American freshman who lives with two other Black roommates at the property. The incident has drawn attention from students and visitors in Oxford who reacted to the behavior shown in the recording.

Olivia Landgreve, a sophomore at the university who does not reside in the affected apartment, expressed shock at the video. She stated that the incident was upsetting because it challenged her perception of how she is viewed by peers on campus. Landgreve noted that she had never experienced a similar event before and found the progress the university had made in recent years to be temporarily set back by the incident.

Jamie Purcell, a visitor from California who had not seen the clip until it was shown to her, described the actions as disgusting. Purcell remarked that the women were acting incorrectly regarding behaviors that people should know differently.

On Sunday, the University of Mississippi issued a statement acknowledging the video. The administration described the behaviors as offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable, noting that they conflict with university values. Officials confirmed that they had reached out to the targeted students to provide information, resources, and support.

The university stated that the incident is currently under active investigation by appropriate offices. Officials added that student conduct cases, records, and potential disciplinary actions are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for the entire university community.

Bolton has not yet spoken to the media regarding the next steps. She indicated that she wishes to wait until she has had an opportunity to speak directly with university representatives before discussing the matter further.