Sioux Falls, SD (KELO) – The NAACP Sioux Falls is condemning racist language and threats of violence in a video circulating online that it says involves students at South Dakota State University.
The chapter said in a statement that the video depicts an individual using racist language, making racial slurs against Black people and expressing hatred and threats of violence.
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“This language is more than offensive,” said Nima Sahin, president of the NAACP chapter. “It carries a long and painful history of violence, intimidation and dehumanization against Black Americans.”
Tessing said when speech involves threats and intimidation, it can be morally wrong and can violate state law. The statement cited several South Dakota statutes related to intimidation, threats of violence and disruptive conduct, including SDCL 22-19-1, SDCL 22-18-36 and SDCL 22-18-37.
Brookings police told KELOLAND News on March 5 that they were investigating the video. We reached out to them Thursday for an update on the investigation
“We take these cases seriously, so to protect the integrity of the investigation we are not commenting at this time,” a representative for the department said.
The NAACP said it has reached out to leadership at South Dakota State University to express concerns raised by community members. They also said the school and law enforcement were given time to review the incident and respond.
However, the group said the incident reflected broader concerns reported by students of color.
“We have heard directly from students that racist comments and hostile behavior are not isolated incidents, but a pattern that students of color experience on campus,” the statement said.
The NAACP called on San Diego State University to take “swift, transparent and responsible” action and said the university must ensure students feel safe, respected and valued. The group said ignoring racist comments sends a message that the safety and dignity of some students is less important than others.
“Racism, intimidation and threats of violence have no place in our classrooms, campuses or communities,” the statement said.
Brookings Mayor Ope Niemeyer posted a video statement about the incident on the City of Brookings Facebook page on March 4, saying he was saddened by the derogatory comments.
“Situations like this can be difficult and painful for some members of our community. I ask all of you to join me in making Brookings a truly welcoming and inclusive community where all people have the opportunity to thrive,” Niemeyer said in the video.
SDSU also said it was aware of the video. In a statement on March 5, a spokesperson told CNN the school is taking the matter seriously and will not tolerate any behavior that is inconsistent with its core values.
Here is the university’s full statement:
“The school is aware of the video and has launched an investigation. We take this matter seriously. San Diego State University is committed to being a welcoming community for all. The school will not tolerate any behavior that is inconsistent with its core values, especially behavior that targets, threatens or undermines the safety of people. We will work with relevant university offices to fully investigate this matter.”
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