The University of Mississippi is now investigating a doorbell camera video that clearly shows two students beating their chests and making monkey noises outside the apartment of a Black freshman and her two Black roommates. The clip went viral over the weekend, and the school has issued a response.
As we previously reported, the footage was reportedly captured on Friday, November 6, around 8:37 p.m. Three women walk up to the apartment, and one beats her chest while making monkey sounds as another steps closer to the camera and does the same. The apartment belongs to freshman Jakiyra Metcalf, a class of 2030 student who shares it with two other Black women. She posted the clip to TikTok, tagged the school, and asked a question that hit harder than any caption could: “what do we have to say about this ??”
By Sunday, Ole Miss had put out a statement. “The university is aware of a video depicting offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable behaviors that conflict with our university values and we condemn them,” the school said. It added that it has reached out to the students who were targeted “to share information, resources, and support. “The incident is actively being investigated by the appropriate university offices and processes. It’s important to note that student conduct cases, records, and any potential disciplinary action are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).” That ultimately means don’t expect a play-by-play of whatever happens next…
“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.”
Ole Miss has history here. In May 2024, a white counterprotester was filmed making monkey gestures at a Black woman during a campus demonstration, which led to a conduct investigation and his removal from his fraternity. Two and a half years later, here we are again, except this time it happened at a student’s own front door, the one place she’s supposed to be able to exhale.
The university says its investigation is active. Whether that turns into real consequences, and real protection for three young Black women trying to get a degree, is the story still being written. We’ll be watching.