The University of Mississippi launched an investigation after a video purportedly showing students making racist gestures at another student’s doorbell camera was shared on social media. The video shows two girls making monkey sounds and gestures as they walk past a Ring camera outside an apartment. The person who posted it said his daughter’s doorbell camera captured it and that his daughter is a freshman at Ole Miss and has two black roommates, CBS affiliate WREG reported. A university spokesperson told CBS News that it condemned the “offensive, hurtful and unacceptable behaviors” depicted in the video and that the appropriate university offices and processes are actively investigating the incident. “It is important to note that student conduct cases, records, and any potential disciplinary action are protected by Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA),” the statement said. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all of our students, faculty, staff and visitors and will follow our processes to ensure the well-being and safety of our community.” In a subsequent statement to students, faculty and staff, the vice chancellor for student affairs condemned the behavior depicted in the video, saying it “does not reflect the values of our university or the type of community we strive to be every day.” “The behavior depicted in this video is deeply disturbing, hurtful and unacceptable,” Shawnboda Mead said in a statement posted on the university’s website. Mead said staff have reached out to the students directly affected and will continue to support them through the process. She also acknowledged that situations like this can cause “pain and concern” among students and assured that the matter “is being taken seriously.” has been incorrectly identified as being involved in this incident. He said that despite online rumors, no members of the university’s sorority community were involved in the incident. “Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and valued at the University of Mississippi,” Mead said “Racism and actions that disparage people because of an aspect of their identity have no place in our university community.”
