Louisiana Tech Investigating Viral Video Of Racial Slurs

Louisiana Tech University says it is investigating a disturbing incident after videos circulated on social media appearing to capture someone repeatedly shouting a racial slur over a loudspeaker.

The videos drew attention online after a parent shared them, saying her son and his friend encountered the incident while returning to their dorms.

Louisiana Tech has since issued a statement condemning what can be heard in the recordings and promising an investigation.

What Can Be Heard In The Viral Videos

In the clips circulating online, the N-word can be heard repeatedly along with other profanity while music plays in the background.

At several points, microphone feedback can also be heard, appearing to indicate that someone may have been speaking into a microphone or amplified system rather than the offensive language simply being part of the music or another recording.

In one portion of the video, a voice can also be heard asking, "Anyone here vape?"

Additional video shared by KTAL/KMSS appears to provide another view of the incident. People can be seen walking through a parking area and riding scooters in one of the clips while the slurs are heard over what appears to be an amplified speaker system.

The identity of the person or people responsible for the audio has not been publicly confirmed.

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Louisiana Tech Responds To Viral Video

Louisiana Tech called the language in the video "repugnant" and said the behavior depicted is intolerable, whether it happens in a public space or on a college campus.

The university said speech targeting individuals can constitute discriminatory harassment when it is severe, pervasive and objectively offensive and interferes with someone's work or education.

"We will investigate this incident fully and swiftly," the university said in its statement. "Those found responsible will be held accountable."

Louisiana Tech's published nondiscrimination policy states that the university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin and several other protected characteristics.

Parent Says Incident Shook Her Son

The original video was shared publicly on Facebook by Erin Mikkhail Haynes, who said her son and his friend were subjected to the incident while returning to their dorm rooms.

According to the mother, her son is typically non-confrontational and was shaken by what happened.

Campus police told KTAL/KMSS that the incident occurred off campus, an important distinction as Louisiana Tech works to determine exactly what happened and who was responsible.

Louisiana Tech's student handbook says the university supports free speech and expression, including speech that may be considered deeply offensive, while also recognizing restrictions involving conduct that materially and substantially disrupts university functions.

The university has not publicly identified anyone responsible for the incident or announced disciplinary action as of the latest information available.

The investigation remains ongoing.