After a video circulated on social media showing a University of Mississippi student making derogatory gestures and sounds towards a Black pro-Palestine protester, the student has been expelled from his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta.
In a statement released on Sunday, Phi Delta Theta condemned the racist actions captured in the video, asserting that such behavior contradicts the fraternity's values. The individual responsible for the actions was promptly removed from the fraternity on May 3.
It remains uncertain whether the expelled student will have the opportunity to rejoin Phi Delta Theta at Ole Miss or any other chapter in the future. Requests for comment from Phi Delta Theta’s national headquarters were not immediately answered by a spokesman for The Daily Beast.
The fraternity's decision came in the wake of a student conduct investigation launched by the university following the incident. Chancellor Glenn Boyce addressed the campus community in a letter on Friday, acknowledging reports of offensive and hurtful behavior during a recent protest. While not specifying the details of the incident, Boyce emphasized the university's commitment to investigating such matters and ensuring a campus environment free from discrimination and harassment.
The encounter occurred during a demonstration in support of Palestine, which was met with a counter protest. Video footage showed counter protesters, predominantly white males, targeting a Black female protester with taunts and insults as she was escorted away by police. This behavior drew condemnation from Boyce, who reiterated the university's stance against discrimination and harassment.
However, some elected officials, such as Rep. Mike Collins and Governor Tate Reeves, expressed support for the counter protesters, with Reeves sharing footage of the incident on social media.
The incident at Ole Miss drew parallels to the university's history of racial tensions, including the 1962 protests over the admission of James Meredith, the first Black student. Despite efforts to address its Confederate legacy and promote inclusivity, the university continues to grapple with its past and its underrepresentation of Black students.
In his message, Boyce acknowledged the university's complex history and the need to confront such incidents as part of its ongoing efforts towards progress and inclusivity.