Counter-protesters surrounded a campus demonstration; police escorted protesters out

As a public institution, the University of Mississippi is committed to supporting the rights of our students, faculty and employees to express their views in a respectful manner and to assemble peacefully as enshrined in the First Amendment. While today’s demonstration was passionate and several protesters and counter-protesters received warnings from law enforcement over their actions, there were no arrests, no injuries were reported and the demonstration dispersed without incident. I recognize these are challenging times and today’s demonstration was highly emotional. Protests can provoke hurtful language, and some statements were made at today’s event that were offensive and unacceptable. If you need help processing today’s event, please seek assistance from campus resources and support services, including the University Counseling Center and UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy. I appreciate our campus staff who prepared for and are responsible for supporting the rights of our people and keeping our community safe. They enabled university operations and events to proceed as scheduled while managing and adapting to a fluid and challenging situation.