Three Black Students Targeted by Racist Gestures in Oxford Apartment Video

A Ring doorbell camera recorded three women making monkey noises outside an apartment in Oxford on Saturday, a video that has now drawn the attention of university officials. The apartment is home to three African-American students, including Tasha Bolton’s daughter, a freshman at the University of Mississippi. The two women in the footage made the sounds as they walked past the front door, while a third woman accompanied them.

The clip began circulating on social media on Saturday, generating immediate responses from the student body and visitors in the town of Oxford. Olivia Landgreve, a sophomore who does not reside in the targeted apartment, described the video as upsetting. She stated that she is glad she is not viewed in that manner and noted that the incident made her question how others perceive her on campus. Landgreve said she had not previously experienced such behavior and was shocked by the footage.

Jamie Purcell, a visitor from California, viewed the video for the first time when local media showed it to her. She described the actions as disgusting and incorrect, stating that the women were not acting with common sense. Purcell said the incident highlighted a lack of awareness about how the gestures are perceived by others in the community.

On Sunday, the University of Mississippi issued a statement condemning the behavior shown in the video. The university described the actions as offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable, noting that they conflict with the institution’s core values. Officials said they have reached out to the targeted students to provide information, resources, and support. The university confirmed that the incident is under active investigation by the appropriate offices and processes.

The statement noted that student conduct cases, records, and potential disciplinary actions are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. The university affirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It stated that the institution will follow its established processes to ensure the well-being and safety of its community.

Landgreve expressed concern that the incident could set back the progress she believes the campus has made. She said seeing the video was upsetting because it felt as though the community was reverting to older behaviors. Tasha Bolton, who shared the video with reporters, said she has not yet spoken with the university directly. She said she prefers to wait until she has had the opportunity to discuss the matter with officials before speaking further.

The video shows the women passing the door on a residential street near campus. The apartment where the students live is located off-campus. The university’s investigation is ongoing, and no timeline for disciplinary outcomes has been released.