An Indiana State University student’s racist comments has sparked protests from those who found the video after it went viral. Members of the ISU community are speaking out.
An ISU nursing student posted an anti-Black video, saying that Black people cannot be “country.” She continued her rant, referencing slavery. The Terre-Haute Tribune Star reported the video may be in response to Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album.
In a video posted to social media, the student said, "I'm sorry, if you're Black, you're not country."
"I know you were raised in the country, or your grandparents were," she continued. "But they was picking. They wasn't planting. Keep that in mind. They wasn't making money. They was getting sold for money."
The University said it is aware of the video and is monitoring the situation.
“The student’s comments do not align with our institutional values,” the university said in a statement. “We reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. ISU takes incidents of this nature seriously and is committed to ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone.”
According to the Indiana Statesman, students held a protest April 8 in response to the video. The Statesman reported the group demanded repercussions for the student’s behavior.
ISU’s Black Alumni Network released a statement, saying they “stand united in our shock and condemnation” of the video. The group called ISU’s response “grossly inadequate,” and demanded President Deborah Curtis address the issue “immediately and publicly.”
“Indiana State University’s response to this vile display of bigotry has been, to say the least, disheartening,” the Black Alumni Network said. “Such a response is a slap in the face to every student, alumni, faculty and staff member who looks to ISU to uphold principles of inclusivity, respect, and dignity for all.”
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright .
