Amid ongoing campus protests across the United States, an unfortunate incident marred the University of Mississippi’s campus on Thursday. As pro-Israel and pro-Palestine students engaged in a demonstration, a black female protestor supporting Palestine endured a barrage of racist taunts and gestures from a group of white male pro-Israel demonstrators. The men disparagingly referred to her weight and chanted “Lizzo” while one individual engaged in overtly racist behavior by imitating monkey gestures and sounds. Republican Representative Mike Collins shared footage of the incident on social media, appearing to endorse the abhorrent actions. The University of Mississippi swiftly condemned the episode, labeling it “inappropriate” and “offensive.” Despite the presence of police during the protest, no arrests were made, as the overall atmosphere remained largely peaceful. Former President Donald Trump utilized the incident in an advertisement, further fueling public discourse. The altercation occurred as a large gathering of pro-Palestine protestors assembled to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza following attacks on its territory on October 7. The demonstrators demanded that the university distance itself from businesses profiting from the Israel-Hamas conflict and disclose its ties to Israel. Over 2,000 demonstrators have been apprehended by police at campus protests across the United States.
Racist Taunts Mar Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestine Protest at University of Mississippi
