A Black University of Mississippi freshman’s family is demanding accountability after a Ring camera captured white students allegedly making racist monkey gestures outside her apartment.
The video, posted Friday by student Jakiyra Metcalf, quickly spread across social media and led university officials to launch an investigation.
The footage shows three white women approaching the apartment, with two appearing to make ape-like sounds and gestures while looking toward the camera.
Metcalf’s mother, Tasha Bolton, said the women live upstairs from her daughter, who shares the apartment with two Black roommates.
Two University of Mississippi students were caught on video allegedly making monkey gestures outside Black students’ apartment. Black students should NEVER have to endure such behavior where they live and learn! Ole Miss must ensure a thorough investigation! https://t.co/2rdy3f5vDr
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) November 9, 2026
“The video has been shared with university administration, and we want answers,” Bolton wrote on Facebook. Bolton called the behavior “disgusting and unacceptable,” expressing concern about her daughter’s experience as a college freshman.
On Sunday, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead issued a statement condemning what happened.
“We condemn the behavior as it does not reflect our university’s values or the kind of community we strive to be every day,” Mead said.
The university’s student conduct and equal opportunity departments are reviewing the incident. Mead also addressed misinformation spreading online, saying at least one person had been incorrectly identified and that no sorority members participated but they have been exposed on social media.
Officials have not publicly named the students involved or announced disciplinary action.
“Racism and actions that disparage people because of an aspect of their identity have no place in our campus community,” Mead said.
University statement regarding Nov. 6 video: https://t.co/BxXskKAYtD
— Ole Miss (@OleMiss) November 9, 2026