(Andy Lyons via Getty Images)
A University of Kentucky student, who seemed to be intoxicated, was arrested early Sunday due to uttering racial slurs and physically assaulting two Black students, among other things, in an on-campus dorm. It was captured on video that went viral. While she was arrested, I still worry about the overall standard at the university when it comes to diversity and inclusion.
In the past two years, they have had several issues with racial slurs and overall insensitivity to Black social issues. In 2020, they made headlines due to a fan yelling the same racial slur at a basketball game towards the opposing team.
However, the racism at the school can be tracked back to 2008, and I am sure much farther beyond that, when former President Barack Obama was elected. The school found a life-sized “likeness” hanging from a tree which was placed there by a student.
The university, which now has 16% of students of color, seriously needs to hold their students accountable. The history they have with their students experiencing racism and discomfort on their campus is unacceptable.
“To be clear: we condemn this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstance,” the school’s president, Eli Capilouto, said in an email sent out to students. “The safety and well-being of our community has been — and will continue to be — our top priority.”
I believe that the University of Kentucky should reach out to their student body and include them in coming up with a plan to truly display inclusion and diversity. Students should not have to worry about being called racial slurs or being disrespected due to the color of their skin.