After a student’s racist TikTok video about Beyoncé and her new album went viral, the school released a message denouncing it.
“Racism, hate speech and discrimination of any kind are deplorable and are in direct contradiction to the mission, vision and values of the State of Indiana,” said University President Deborah Curtis. said in a statement Thursday. “The student comments in the video do not in any way represent the ideals and goals of Indiana State University.
Students on campus held a protest on Monday against the administration’s response. They demanded repercussions for their behavior, a statement denouncing the video, a zero-tolerance policy toward hate speech, and changes to the university’s Code of Conduct, the Indy Star reported.
The student posted a video online about “Cowboy Carter”, the singer’s latest album, which is inspired by Beyoncé’s Texas roots.
“I’m sorry, but if you’re black, you’re not country,” the student said in a TikTok video that was recirculated online. “I don’t call.”
“I know you were raised in the country, or your grandparents were, I think… but they were choosing,” she continued. “They weren’t planting. Keep this in mind. They weren’t making money, they were being sold for money.”
Curtis said that upon learning that an Indiana State student posted the video, she worked to identify who it was and communicate “directly with student leaders and strategies to prioritize student well-being and safety.”
“This video impacts the entire campus community, but it deeply affects students from marginalized groups,” Curtis’ statement said. “Make no mistake – we hear you. We see you. We support you. We have been and will continue to work for you.”
The student’s name was not mentioned in the school’s statement, but Curtis said the university is aware of the “rampant misinformation spreading online” and said that under federal law, “student privacy, due process and Actions taken by the university and its employees cannot be shared.”
“At the end of the semester, please know that your well-being and academic success as a student are of utmost importance to us,” Curtis said.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
