LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky’s Office of Student Conduct has begun the disciplinary review process into the incident at a UK residence hall Sunday, Nov. 6.
UK senior Sophia Rosing is accused of assaulting and berating a student desk clerk named Kylah Spring with racial slurs. The incident was captured and shared on social media. Rosing was arraigned Monday and through her attorney entered a not guilty plea. Her bond is $10,000 cash and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 15.
Hundreds of students rallied on campus Monday night, marching and chanting “Protect Black women” and “Speak up, UK,” according to news outlets. Organized by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a Black fraternity on campus, students called for unity and for the university to quickly address the situation.
During the rally Monday, Spring told the crowd that she was sad about what happened but that justice would come. She also addressed the woman who is accused of assaulting her.
“You will not break my spirit and you will be held accountable for your actions,” she said “I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively after this.”
Troy Rawlins Jr., who attended the march, said he is angry and disappointed about what happened but glad the university is investigating. He told the Lexington Herald-Leader he hopes for a quick resolution.
“We are here to have our voices be heard so we can effectively combat racism on our campus,” Rawlins said. “We need our voices to be heard. Our voices are falling on deaf ears. The only way we are going to be heard is if we come together.”
According to UK, the review process begins once the Office of Student Conduct receives an incident report. The vice president for student success can impose an interim suspension if there is a threat to safety or disruption of operations. UK cannot discuss Rosing’s disciplinary actions. All the school can say is she remains enrolled at UK.
A conduct officer can ask Rosing and those with information about the case to appear in investigative meetings. The officer holds informal meetings with the person involved and witnesses, which can lead to a review or a formal hearing.
The university’s policy on the review process says when a report could lead to suspension or expulsion, the conduct officer can send the report to a hearing board for a formal hearing. UK says there is usually an opportunity for those involved to speak.
Faculty, staff and students facilitate formal hearings andthe result is an official outcome that can include suspension, expulsion or other action. If Rosing goes through this process, she would have the right to appeal the decision made at the hearing.
“To be clear: we condemn this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstance. The safety and well-being of our community has been — and will continue to be — our top priority,” University President Eli Capiluto said.
The school says the Office for Student success is working with the victims who were subject to violence and racism and are offering support.