Ring camera video shows women making racist gestures outside Ole Miss student’s apartment

OXFORD, Miss. (WMC/Gray News) - A disturbing video circulating on social media is drawing attention across the Ole Miss campus after women were caught on a Ring doorbell camera making racist gestures outside an apartment where three Black students live.

The video belongs to the daughter of Tasha Bolton, who contacted WMC about the clip.

Bolton’s daughter is an African-American freshman at the University of Mississippi. She shares the off-campus apartment with two other Black roommates.

What the video shows

In the video, three white women can be seen walking past the apartment’s front door. As they pass, two of the women appear to make monkey noises.

The video went viral Saturday after being shared on social media, prompting reactions from students and visitors in Oxford.

Reaction from students and visitors

Sophomore Olivia Landgreve, who does not live at the apartment, said she was upset by what she saw.

“I like to think that people don’t see me like that. I’m just a person like everybody else is. Very upsetting to think that maybe people are thinking other things while they’re looking at me while I walk on campus,” Landgreve said.

Landgreve said she had never experienced anything like this before and was shocked by the video.

Jamie Purcell, who was visiting Oxford from California, had not seen the video until WMC showed it to her.

“It’s disgusting and they’re just not smart, and they’re acting incorrectly to something people should know differently about,” Purcell said.

University statement

On Sunday, the University of Mississippi released a statement condemning the behavior.

“The university is aware of a video depicting offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable behaviors that conflict with our university values and we condemn them. The university has reached out to those targeted by the actions 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).

“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.”

Landgreve said seeing the incident was especially upsetting because of the progress she believes the university has made.

“It just kind of upset me a little bit because I feel like the campus has grown so much progress and just seeing things set us back like that is very upsetting,” Landgreve said.

Bolton, who shared the video, does not want to speak with WMC until she has had an opportunity to speak with the university.