JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida students who created and posted a Snapchat video mocking an Oct. 11 Black Lives Matter rally will not face any punishment, according to a report from UNF's Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, according to the student media site, Spinnaker.
Spinnaker reported that the investigation into the video found that the student’s actions did not threaten the safety of others or create a hostile learning environment. It was reported that Zack Morse, the student who posted the video, has agreed to take a diversity training course to help. ensure a “welcoming and inclusive” campus environment.
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Last month, Morse declined to identify the two people in the video, Spinnaker reported.
The report also said all students involved in the making of the video will meet with the vice president for Student and International Affairs to discuss the video's "impact on the university community, and to work with the campus going forward on ways to advance mutual respect and civility, that are important UNF values.”
Spinnaker also reported on an email sent Saturday by President John Delaney to students and faculty that condemned the video. Delaney called it “dehumanizing and racist,” and identified both free speech and diversity as two firmly held institutional beliefs at UNF.
“These two beliefs are part of the bedrock on which we were founded and yet, at times, may seem to stand in direct conflict with each other,” Delaney said in the email. “There are core lessons to be found in each.”
Delaney also mentioned his obligation as president of UNF to follow due process before making any decisions.
“Due process requires an opportunity to be heard, explain or defend,” Delaney said.
Morse told the UNF campus newspaper that the caption was not a typo and that the entire incident was a misunderstanding.
He released a statement last month to the Spinnaker:
“The situation in question is under investigation by the university. I am not really at liberty to discuss details quite yet, but I can say that this entire ordeal is a harsh misunderstanding and more information (is) soon to follow.”