May 6th 2024.
In a recent report by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Chancellor Glen Boyce, who is in charge of the University of Mississippi, announced his plans to launch an investigation into the actions of students during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus. Despite support from Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and Rep. Mike Collins for the counter-protesters, Boyce proceeded with the investigation.
According to Mississippi Today, this protest was the first of its kind in the state since students at Columbia University set up a camp in protest of their school's funding of Israel. Initially, the pro-Palestine protestors were separated from the hecklers by metal barricades, but the counter-protesters found their way around them. As tensions rose, food was even thrown across the barricades, and the university police tried to calm the situation by escorting the pro-Palestinian protestors away from the hostile crowd.
The incident that caught the most attention was a white fraternity boy mocking a Black woman by making monkey gestures at her. As Reverend and Professor Cornell William Brooks pointed out in a tweet, this is not about "Stand With Israel" or "Free Palestine." It is a clear display of performative racism. While the law may allow such behavior, it does not make it any less hurtful and unacceptable.
Later, inside the School of Applied Sciences building, a Palestinian student named Jana expressed her gratitude to the pro-Palestinian protestors, saying, "I know that was a scary and intimidating experience, but I am so proud of all of you. This would not have happened without your bravery. Palestine is being heard, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Please don't give up; this is just the beginning."
Despite the university's claim that they have no ties to Israeli defense funding or contractors, other university protests have focused on divesting from these entities. As reported by CNN, much of the conversation surrounding the Ole Miss protest centers on a video of 24-year-old Black student Jaylin R. Smith confronting the counter-protesters who were heckling her, including one who made monkey gestures towards her.
According to a student at Ole Miss, Ryan Spearman, Chancellor Boyce condemned the actions of the counter-protesters, which Spearman describes as racist. In a post on Twitter, Spearman insinuates that one of the counter-protesters will be investigated based on the wording of Boyce's statement.
In response to Rep. Collins' support for the counter-protesters' actions, the NAACP has called for an investigation into Collins by Congressional leaders. In a letter sent on May 4, the NAACP states, "These actions, regardless of intent, promote and perpetuate racism and undermine the principles of equality and justice that our government is sworn to uphold."
On May 3, Chancellor Boyce released a statement addressing the investigation, stating, "From yesterday's demonstration, it has come to our attention that some statements and actions were offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable, including those with racist undertones. While we cannot comment on specific students due to privacy laws, we have opened a student conduct investigation. We are also looking into whether further action is necessary." He also made it clear that there is no place for those who make discriminatory remarks on their campus.
Xavier Black, a junior international studies major at Ole Miss, spoke to the university newspaper, the Daily Mississippian, about the history of student protests in America. He believes that those who protest against wars are ultimately proven right by history. "There is often resistance towards this type of movement, but throughout history, the student movement has been on the right side. Those who oppose it are often on the wrong side of history," Black stated.
In conclusion, the incident at Ole Miss has sparked a much-needed conversation about racism and the importance of standing up against it. It is a reminder that as a society, we have a responsibility to create a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of their background or beliefs.
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