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Student videos with racist language spark anger at WCU University investigating potential Code of Conduct violations BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER pair of videos that appeared on social media over the weekend elicited strong reaction from many in the Western Carolina University community who decry their contents as racist. “Over the weekend there have been several videos of students, Western Carolina University students, displaying behavior that is racist and bigoted,” said Chancellor Kelli R. Brown in a video message published Sunday, Aug. 23. “This behavior disappoints, angers and frustrates me to no end.”
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Smoky Mountain News
August 26-September 1, 2020
TWO VIDEOS
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Statements issued by the university did not reference any specific video, but social media comments on those statements linked two such videos. The first features three white females and begins with one of them performing a rap that includes the ‘n’ word. It then cuts to a second person, who says that, ‘(if they can) call you a cracker, you’re allowed to call them a n___.” The third woman states that it’s acceptable to use the word as long as you end it with an “a,” not with an “er.” A second video shows two white male students explaining that when they use the OK symbol, all they mean is “damn, that’s nice,” and that they’re not “being f*in racist” and using it as a symbol of white supremacy. However, they do this while making ample use of the ‘n’ word and conclude by saying “if you do know some n__ gals who want to come over and f**k man, let me know.”
The videos appeared on the students’ personal accounts, but they were later shared by others who tagged WCU on those posts. University officials have also received calls and emails from students, alumni and other members of the Catamount community about the issue, said WCU Chief Communications Officer Bill Studenc. The university is investigating the matter as a possible violation of the Code of Student Conduct, which also includes a process for addressing prohibited conduct. University officials are considering a number of potential charges, Studenc said. “The timeline for reaching a resolution will depend upon how that process unfolds,” said Studenc. “Students who are being investigated for possible violations of the Code of Student Conduct have the right of due process and can request an appeal of any sanctions that may be handed down as a result of an investigation.” In her statement on Sunday, Brown said that the university is “taking active steps” to address the incidents but is not able to disclose “specific actions taken against a specific student(s).” “With that in mind, our inability to communicate specific actions should not be construed as inaction,” she said. However, many in the campus community want to see action now. Replies to WCU’s Facebook posts on the matter are full of comments demanding that the students be expelled.
A freshman student takes the mic to share her thoughts on the recently posted videos with those attending an Aug. 24 Reconcile Sylva event at Western Carolina University. Holly Kays photos
“We recognize that a public acknowledgement to condemn this appalling language is needed for us to move forward. The words utilized in the videos cannot be reflective of our future.” — Student Government Association statement
About 200 people turn out for the event behind A.K. Hinds University Center.
GATHERING ON CAMPUS In an event planned and advertised prior to the videos surfacing, the anti-racist group Reconcile Sylva came to campus Monday, Aug. 24, in order to reach out to college students who might be
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