Phi Delta Theta fraternity member expelled for involving in confrontation at Ole Miss university rally
A fraternity has revoked membership from an individual whose behavior was deemed unacceptable and offensive during a protest at the University of Mississippi.
According to a statement shared with CNN on Monday, the fraternity recognizes that freedom of expression is part of the collegiate experience but is committed to upholding its values. This decision was made after reviewing the incident, which was found to be outside the bounds of acceptable discourse and contradictory to the fraternity's values.
In collaboration with local alumni, undergraduate leadership, and the university, disciplinary action was taken, resulting in the removal of membership. The identity of the individual has not been revealed.
On Thursday, an estimated 200 counter protesters, some waving American and Trump flags, surrounded a group of about 30 pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Video clips of the scene showed a group of mostly white young men shouting at a black woman as she walked towards them while holding her phone. One man could be seen making monkey gestures at her.
It's unclear if the person making the monkey gestures was the one whose membership was revoked.
Jaylin R. Smith, a 24-year-old journalism and new media graduate student, confirmed she was the woman in the video. She told CNN on Friday: "One thing that will never break me is people taunting me or making monkey noises at me."
CNN was unable to identify any of the counter protesters in the video.
The University of Mississippi initiated a student conduct investigation in response to the incident which, according to Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce, involved actions with "hostility and racist undertones."
The fraternity will continue to monitor the situation and cooperate with any further investigation.
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The fraternity's decision to expel a member was in response to his actions at the Ole Miss rally, which were deemed inconsistent with their values and the university's collegiate experience. As the situation continues to be investigated, the fraternity is committed to upholding its principles and promoting an inclusive environment for all US students.
Source: edition.cnn.com
