SDSU Investigates Racist Snapchat Video
SDSU President Barry Dunn recently released a statement regarding a circulating video that has gained the attention of multiple news outlets.
The video was posted to the SDSU Snapchat story early on Feb. 28. In the video, multiple SDSU students used racist language and references. The social media story is not controlled by South Dakota State University and the video has since been deleted.
On March 2, the university shared the statement with media outlets that requested a comment.
In that statement, they acknowledged the video and deemed it “deeply inappropriate.”
The next day, a statement from the president’s office to all SDSU students and staff. Dunn shared that an investigation was initiated regarding the circulating video.
“While I am limited in what I can share during an active investigation, please know that this situation is being handled with the seriousness and the care it warrants,” Dunn wrote. “We will
continue working with the appropriate university offices to fully investigate and respond in a manner consistent with university policies and law.”
The university president restated their commitment to being a welcoming and respectful community to everyone. SDSU strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued, safe and supported.
“Actions or language that demean, exclude or threaten others run counter to our values and have no place in our community,” Dunn wrote. “Retaliation of any kind against individuals being investigated or those who report concerns, participate in an investigation or express their perspectives in good faith will not be tolerated. This expectation is essential to maintaining trust and accountability within our university.”
At the end of the statement, Dunn stated support outlets for students and staff who felt impacted by the video and would like to speak to someone about it. Students were encouraged to connect with SDSU Counseling Services, while benefits-eligible employees have access to confidential support through their Employee Assistance Program.
The Volante gives credit to Brayden Byers and the staff at SDSU’s Collegian Media for sharing SDSU President Barry Dunn’s statement with our staff for this story.
