Following online backlash from a viral incident, the University of Kentucky student who assaulted a Black student worker has announced she is withdrawing from the school.
Fred Peters, lawyer to Sophia Rosing, 22, told reporters via NBC News that "she’s going to withdraw from the university today or tomorrow." Rosing was caught on video this past Sunday drunkenly assaulting two Black students, as well as repeatedly using racial slurs against them.
"She's a very, very embarrassed and humiliated young lady," Peters said.
The attorney added that he is "getting [Rosing] into some kind of treatment program and sensitivity program to help her through this situation." Peters said that she will be receiving treatment for "several things", but did not expand on what she will be in treatment for.
He explained: "She’s going to get help, that’s all I can say."
The University of Kentucky has yet to issue a statement in response to Rosing's withdrawal, but Tweeted Sunday morning that they take the incident "very seriously."
"An arrest has been made. We are conducting an immediate review and have reached out to the student victim to offer support," the University shared. "The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and we will not tolerate behavior that threatens it."
The viral video shows Rosing assaulting Kylah Spring, a student worker who attempted to check on Rosing when she arrived intoxicated to a dormitory at 3 a.m. Rosing berated Spring with racial slurs and insults before police eventually arrived and arrested her.
The police report of Rosing's arrest details her kicking an officer as he detained her, saying that she has “lots of money” and gets “special treatment." She now faces criminal charges of of intoxication in a public place, third-degree assault on a police officer, fourth-degree assault, and second-degree disorderly conduct. Rosing will appear in court again on November 15.
The Phi Beta Sigma fraternity at UK organized a rally late Monday night where hundreds of students showed up in support of Spring to condemn racism on campus. Spring gave a speech to the crowd, and was met with roaring applause.
“To Ms. Rosing: you will not break my spirit. You will not break my spirit, and you will be held accountable for your actions,” Spring continued. “I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively after this."
Spring said that her assault highlights that racism is "a recurring issue in and across American school systems, no matter what age. She added while she is "deeply saddened by the events that took place," she is also "most grateful for justice that is to come."
Spring called on students to "continue to address this situation with grace and humility, and keep your heads held high, and lean on each other as we heal ourselves and our community."
She said: “To my Black UK community: I see you, I feel you, and I stand with you. I matter, you matter, and we matter. We will be stronger.”
