Congressman Commends Heckling of War Protesters, Including Individual Who Made Racist Gestures at Black Woman

The Israel-Hamas war demonstrations at the University of Mississippi took a disturbing turn this week when a counter-protester engaged in racist behavior towards a Black student. The incident, which was captured on video, showed the individual making monkey noises and gestures at the student during a chaotic gathering on campus.

The actions of the counter-protester were widely condemned, with many expressing outrage at the blatant display of racism. Sociology professor James M. Thomas called out the incident on social media, highlighting the contrast between the students calling for an end to genocide and the racist response they received.

The Rev. Cornell William Brooks also weighed in, emphasizing that the mocking of a Black woman as a monkey was a clear example of “protest as performative racism.” The incident has sparked a conversation about race relations on campus and the need to address such behavior.

University officials, including Chancellor Glenn Boyce, have stated that the school is committed to allowing people to express their views but condemned the offensive and unacceptable behavior displayed during the demonstrations. Governor Tate Reeves reposted a video of counter-protesters singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on campus, expressing his support for their actions.

The incident at the University of Mississippi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of racism and discrimination in society, even in the midst of political demonstrations. The university community is now grappling with how to address and prevent such incidents in the future.