University of St. Thomas student quits school, apologizes after exchange in viral video
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A University of St. Thomas student has withdrawn from the school and apologized after a video went viral purportedly showing her remarks to a protestor last week.
The university shared the student’s decision Tuesday at her and her family’s request, along with an apologetic statement.
“I understand that my actions have consequences, and I take responsibility for that. I know I have a lot to learn from this experience, and I am committed to educating myself and better understanding how my words and actions affect others,” she wrote.
MPR News is not naming the student to protect her privacy.
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This followed an Oct. 14 exchange outside the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis student center where the campus chapter of Turning Point USA hosted an event with conservative activist Riley Gaines, a former college athlete who advocates for excluding transgender women from women’s sports.
Dozens had gathered outside the venue in protest.
In the Instagram video that has amassed over 1.5 million views and thousands of comments as of Wednesday, a blonde woman is seen approaching the student center with a group and saying “Go back to your country, b—” to someone off-camera.
The video does not show the moments leading up to her remarks.
The student and her family did not respond an MPR News request for additional information in time for publication.
Darnell Edwards, who recorded and shared the video, said the woman was speaking to activist Derek Torstenson, who is heard berating her following the comment.
Torstenson — who told MPR News he was adopted from Russia at age two — said his speech impediment has been confused for a foreign accent before.
Shortly after the video was posted, critics identified the woman as a University of St. Thomas nursing student and called on the school to take action.
The University of St. Thomas issued an initial statement on Friday and followed up Tuesday after the student’s statement.
“We encourage all members of our community to take accountability when their actions do not live up to these values. We further condemn the actions by those outside our community who have engaged in threats of violence, intimidation and harassment,” the university’s statement reads.
Torstenson said a protest is still planned for Thursday evening near the University of St. Thomas to show solidarity with immigrant communities.
“There's people that don’t feel safe from that video,” he said, also sharing concern about others seen laughing at the woman’s comment in the video.
Edwards, who has documented protests and community events on social media since the 2021 murder of Daunte Wright, said he appreciated the student’s apology.
“I wish her the best. Honestly, I do,” he said. “We all make mistakes and I know hate in your heart can be taken out of your heart.”
