OXFORD, MS -
(WMC-TV) - Ole Miss released the findings of an investigation done after a protest ignited on the campus following the re-election of President Obama. The protests, which drew a crowd of about 100 students, made headlines across the country.
The political disagreement started out with a small number of students, but grew into a racially charged crowd yelling racial slurs and lighting campaign signs on fire. It ended with police being forced to break up the crowds.
Immediately afterward, an investigation was launched by the Incident Review Committee in order to get to the bottom of how these protests started on November 6.
The 10 member committee reviewed written, electronic, and video documentation of the night. They also interviewed students, staff, and police officers. In the end, the committee recommended action for six students.
Three students were referred to the Office of Student Conduct for their actions that night. Two students who were arrested face possible disciplinary actions and a sixth student needs review for academic dishonesty.
"I think we have a unique obligation to address issues of race on our campus and to continue to work, not just to understand, but to value and appreciate differences," said Leslie Banahan, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs at Ole Miss.
The university quickly condemned what happened that night. Student leaders also organized a candlelight vigil the next day. More than 700 people united in a "We are one Mississippi" candlelight walk.
"I think we have to work on how we express our opinions and our differences but do that in a way that's respectful," said Banahan.
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