American University student apologizes after offensive video goes viral: 'Somewhat misguided'
The administration at American University is speaking out against a student who said the word n***** on Twitter, then apologized.
According to the Washington, D.C. student newspaper The Eagle, freshmen Aise O’Neil said the derogatory term into a camera at Anderson Hall on Saturday night because other students “dared” him.
“I don’t know exactly why I did this, I think I just wanted to do something to feel as if I still had the freedom to express myself,” O’Neil, an economics major, told The Eagle in an email Monday. “My next-door neighbor overheard me then.”
Student Tasneem Osm tweeted the video and wrote, “This is why I don’t feel welcome at American University.”
A woman behind the camera said to O’Neil, “What did you say?” and O’Neil repeated the word, providing his full name — Aise Jacob O’Neil — upon request. “Why do you think it’s OK to say that word?” asked the woman, and O’Neil answered, “I think it’s OK to say any word,” he started to explain, but the video stopped recording.
This is why I don’t feel welcomed at American University @AmericanU @SylviaBurwell pic.twitter.com/65nepSJ4Yp
— Tas (@TasneemOsm) April 7, 2019
“I argued that there was nothing inherently wrong with the usage of my words,” O’Neil told The Eagle. “I was dared to say the word on video. Believing that a refusal would in a sense be a betrayal of my principles I obliged.”
Calling his usage “somewhat misguided,” O’Neil said, “I did not anticipate the video would reach such wide circulation. I am very sorry to the people I upset. I genuinely regret what I have done.”
An American University spokesperson tells Yahoo Lifestyle:
“AU does not condone the use of a racist term associated with discrimination and violence. The word is a racial slur associated with a history of racism, bigotry, violence. Its use in many contexts has a harmful impact, even in a debate about free expression. Our policies and practices regarding bias and discrimination are informed by commitments to both inclusion and freedom of expression. We are working to support those directly affected and to address the harm to our community.”
On Wednesday, university president Sylvia Burwell tweeted a note published to her website that read, “The events from the past few days have left me saddened and disappointed. I understand why members of our community are hurt and angry. Words can wound.”
Sharing a note to our community: https://t.co/0DNNRapjSb
— Sylvia M. Burwell (@SylviaBurwell) April 10, 2019
O’Neil told The Eagle that he met with “Residence Life” staff and may change housing. However, student government president Valentina Fernández tells Yahoo Lifestyle, “The Student Government undergraduate senate passed a resolution demanding that the student is removed from university housing, as well as pursue any other relevant actions pursuant to the university’s student conduct code.”
Fernandez added, “This is yet again, another example of why the needs of black students on AU’s campus should be prioritized and taken seriously with concrete action.”
Entertainment agency Asteria Entertainment wrote on Facebook that O’Neil, who performs stand-up comedy, was kicked off an upcoming set based on his actions.
O’Neil told The Eagle that people making threats toward him, saying, “I suspect AUx and my women in comedy class will give me some trouble later this week.”
Yahoo Lifestyle reached out to O’Neil over Facebook and contacted a potential family for comment.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
High school students suspended for giving black classmate a tampon with the N-word written on it
Gas station employee berates customer for speaking Spanish in viral video rant
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