“Racist” actions by counter-protesters at the University of Mississippi lead to investigation

The University of Mississippi has opened an investigation into a student’s conduct at a May 2 counter-protest related to a pro-Palestinian demonstration after the administration was alerted to “offensive, hurtful and unacceptable” actions “containing hostility and racist behavior.” undertones conveyed,” school officials said.

In a May 3 letter to students, Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce said school officials are working to determine whether further investigation is warranted.

“As a public institution, we are committed to supporting the rights of our students, faculty and staff to express their views in a respectful manner and to assemble peacefully, as guaranteed by the First Amendment,” Boyce said in the March 3 email May school officials told ABC News. “However, some individuals at the demonstration behaved in a manner that is inconsistent with our university’s values. Behaviors and comments that demean people based on their race or ethnicity marginalize them and undermine the values ​​that are fundamental to a civil and safe society.”

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters had gathered on campus, demanding the university withdraw from any investments that could benefit Israeli military operations in Gaza. They also demand that the university condemn the so-called “genocide” of Palestinians, while Israel’s war in Gaza began on October 7, when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and Israel retaliated with its ongoing military operations in Gaza.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli forces have killed at least 34,183 people in Gaza and injured 77,143 others since October 7. At least 1,700 people have been killed and 8,700 others injured by Hamas or other Palestinian militants in Israel, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Mississippi said in a statement that they faced racism, violent threats and food being thrown at them by counter-protesters, some of whom reportedly said, “Here’s your humanitarian aid.”

In one VideoA black protester is seen picking up and talking to counter-protesters while standing outside the protective barricades surrounding the pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

Police officers can be seen urging them to go back to the barricades while counter-protesters taunt them, including a student who appears to be posing as a monkey and others chanting “Lock her up,” according to student Stacey Spiehler recorded the video.

Police also asked counter-protesters to step away from the barricades.

Phi Delta Theta fraternity headquarters also released an online statement saying it was aware of the video and had terminated the membership of an individual in the fraternity associated with “the racist actions in the video.” .

In a statement following the confrontations, protesters said they were met with “blind reactionism” that had little to do with the genocide we were protesting against or our demands.

ABC News’ Chris Looft contributed to this report.