Minnesota University Student's Viral 'Go Back to Your Country' Comment Sparks Outrage
The University of Saint Thomas confirmed the student attends the school and stated the language used is inconsistent with university values.
A student from the University of Saint Thomas in Minnesota is facing backlash after a video surfaced showing her shouting a prejudiced remark outside a Turning Point USA event. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the University of Minnesota campus, where a protest was taking place against the event featuring conservative activist Riley Gaines.
In the widely shared video, the University of Saint Thomas student can be heard yelling "Go back to your own country, b***!" toward a protester holding a megaphone. She was accompanied by two male students who appeared to smile and laugh at her comment. The man with the megaphone responded, "I know, you hate people!"
Later in the video, the student noticed she was being recorded and questioned the person filming her. The video, originally posted on social media platform Instagram, has garnered millions of views and thousands of critical comments.
While the individual who posted the video identified the student and shared her name, her social media profiles were reportedly taken down. The University of Saint Thomas confirmed that the student attends their institution but declined to name her, citing student privacy laws.
"The language heard in the video is inconsistent with the university’s values and convictions," the university said in a statement. "As a Catholic university, we have a responsibility to provide a welcoming environment for all and do not condone hateful language being used by anyone in our university community."
The university indicated it would address the incident "in accordance with the student code of conduct" and pledged to continue fostering a community that respects individual dignity. The statement followed a significant public outcry, with some social media users urging others to contact the university and alumni threatening to withdraw donations.
Online reactions to the video expressed shock and dismay. Many commenters noted the student's apparent comfort in using the language before realizing she was being filmed, followed by a swift change in demeanor upon noticing the camera.
