The community of Indiana State University (ISU) was very angry when an Indiana State University racist student shared a TikTok video with racist comments aimed at Beyoncé and her new album “Cowboy Carter”. In this video, the student made negative remarks about Black people, saying “If you’re Black, you’re not country.”
ISU President Deborah Curtis quickly said bad things students said about people because of their skin color are totally against Indiana State’s goals and it’s not how Indiana State University thinks. Campus students held a protest to show their concerns. They asked for responsibility, an official condemnation of the video, a no-tolerance rule regarding hate speech and modifications in the university’s Code of Conduct.
The Racist TikTok Video
An Indiana State University racist student made a racist TikTok video after Beyoncé’s new country album “Cowboy Carter”. She said sorry but if you’re Black, you’re not country. The student also gave bad comments about Black people’s ancestors and they didn’t plant. They were picking.
“They were not making money, they were getting sold for money.” This caused strong anger and protests from ISU people, with students asking for responsibility to be shown, an official disapproval of the video, a policy of zero tolerance towards hate speech and amendments in university’s Code of Conduct.
Indiana State University’s Response
On the matter of a racist TikTok video made by an Indiana State University racist student, President Deborah Curtis has given a forceful statement disapproving of the student’s offensive remarks. She said that “racism, hate speech and discrimination of any kind is reprehensible and goes against Indiana State’s goal, vision and values.”
It was stressed by her that the comments of this student “do not at all reflect the ideals and aims of Indiana State University.” President Curtis expressed that the university doesn’t allow such racist remarks, and it is against the main ideas and beliefs that ISU represents. The university promptly took steps to recognize the student, talk with leaders of students and focus on health as well as safety for those at campus after this event happened.
Student Protests and Demands
Indiana State University racist student video has caused protests by posting a racist TikTok video that made insulting comments about Beyoncé and Black culture. The first protest happened on April 8, lasting from 1-5 pm at the previous Lincoln Quad. Students shouted slogans like “silence is violence” and “our voices matter.”
Image Credit: IndystarFour main requests were put forward by the protesters: action against the student’s behavior, an official statement disapproving of the video, zero-tolerance for hate speech as well as changes in university’s Code Of Conduct to include opposition towards hate speech along with consequences for any future cases. Student organizers, such as Nadia Lomax, highlight the importance of making sure silence is not an alternative.
Misinformation and Online Backlash
After the Indiana State University racist student TikTok video, a lot of wrong information started spreading on the internet. This made it more difficult for the university to respond properly. Even though there were many wrong stories spread, ISU always focused on dealing with the issue straight away and put priority on the health of its students.
The management held sessions to listen directly from worried students, repeated its promise to diversity and inclusion, and tried to give help and resources to those affected by the racist video.
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Racist Incidents
Media on social platforms has boosted racist incidents, making them spread fast and receive attention from many. Research has revealed that social media channels can become echo chambers for discriminatory sentiments, especially targeting racial and ethnic minorities.
These incidents of racism in universities like Indiana State University are gaining more exposure through viral videos and posts shared on platforms such as TikTok or Yik Yak. This rising exposure might continue to spread harmful prejudices and impact disadvantaged groups more. Solving the basic issues that allow racism on social media to be amplified is very important in making online areas more fair and inclusive.
The TikTok video that shows an Indiana State University racist student was posted by a student from Indiana State University’s nursing school. This caused anger, gatherings, and demands for making changes on the school campus. This situation showed the immediate need for ISU to handle the issue of systemic racism, encourage variety and inclusion, and make sure all students are safe, valued and have help.