Ole Miss student withdraws after racist gestures toward black roommates spark outrage
Three black University of Mississippi students are addressing a racist incident involving two white students making monkey gestures and sounds outside their apartment last Friday night, which was captured by a Ring camera and went viral.
During an interview with CBS News, Jakirya Metcalf, a freshman at Ole Miss, said she saw the video on her Ring camera and decided to confront the women.
“We actually went outside and tried to approach them and ask them to explain why they did this,” Metcalf told “CBS Mornings.”
Victoria Johnson, one of Metcalf’s roommates, said one of the women apologized but offered an explanation that didn’t seem sincere.
Metcalf and Johnson said the first person seen in the video, Aliana Kunes, apologized for her actions.
“To the women I offended and to the Ole Miss community, I sincerely apologize,” Kunes wrote in a statement. “Prior to the November 6 incident, I had never met the women involved and was unaware of their race. However, I recognize that my actions were insensitive, inappropriate and deeply harmful. I would never intentionally make these noises or gestures toward a person of color. I have apologized to the women and pray that they forgive me.”
Kunes voluntarily withdrew from the university after releasing a statement Tuesday.
When asked if she accepted Kunes’ apology, Metcalf said she had mixed feelings.
“I feel like it doesn’t matter who we are, or whether or not she knew our race, but the gestures and the voices, I feel like it was still very disrespectful,” she said.
Kaiyden Caldwell, another roommate, said the apology did not erase the pain caused by the incident.
“I appreciate the apology, but I feel like it still doesn’t change what happened that Friday, because it’s still hurtful and it’s still devastating that someone would come on camera and do that,” Caldwell told “CBS Mornings.”
University officials said in a statement that they are investigating the incident and have contacted those targeted.
Metcalf, Caldwell and Johnson said they plan to stay at Ole Miss and won’t let this experience ruin their time at the school.
Read the full story from CBS News.
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