The Ole Miss Phi Delta Theta fraternity chapter has removed the student spotted making gestures mirroring those of a primate toward a Black woman during a pro-Palestine protest from its organization.
The move comes after a viral video included multiple counter-protestors accosting Jaylin Smith, a Black female student, with one student most notably mocking her in a way that appeared racially charged.
A counter-protester jumps up and down and hoots like a monkey toward a protester who was live-streaming on her phone at @OleMiss today.
Chants of “lock her up” as the Dean of Students (@marsh_brent) and multiple law enforcement agencies regain order. pic.twitter.com/fCU3hTioVL
— Stacey J. Spiehler (@StaceyJSpiehler) May 3, 2024
The student in the video has been identified by the NAACP’s Ole Miss chapter as James “JP” Staples from Texas .
In response to the student’s actions, Phi Delta Theta kicked the student out of its organization and issued the following statement:
“Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters is aware of the video regarding the student protest at the University of Mississippi. The racist actions in the video were those of an individual and are antithetical to the values of Phi Delta Theta and the Mississippi Alpha chapter. The responsible individual was removed from membership on Friday, May 3.”
Additionally, the Ole Miss NAACP has called for the university to expel Staples as well as Connor Moore, Jr., and Rouse Bouce for their alleged actions during the protest. Moore and Bouce were seen wearing American flag overalls and waving a “Trump for President” flag during Thursday’s rally.
No students have been expelled at this time. University officials have also confirmed that no arrests were made during the protests as there were no instances of physical violence. However, Ole Miss Chancellor Glenn Boyce has acknowledged that the optics of a student making derogatory gestures toward a person of color is counterproductive in the university’s efforts to move forward from a troubled past that included a mob of angry white individuals confronting U.S. Marshals to prevent James Meredith’s admission in 1962.
A student conduct investigation has been opened by university officials. Boyce confirmed that leaders are seeking to determine whether more cases are warranted.
