This browser does not support the Video element.
MANHATTAN, Kan. -- A Kansas State University student has left the university after she took a Snapchat selfie of herself and a friend in what appears to be a black, cosmetic face mask.
The Snapchat picture was captioned: 'Feels good to finally be a N.....'
Many around campus shared the picture and condemned the student for being racist.
University leaders, realizing the turmoil on social media that was affecting the university and its students, responded on the university website that the student was no longer enrolled. (See statements below.)
Then, Thursday afternoon, the student issued an apology that could be seen by some on Facebook. She said the signs being displayed were an inside joke between friends.
"We had only meant for it to be taken in a funny way, but we clearly understand that what we said should never be joked around about. People shouldn't joke around about such a serious topic like this because it feeds racism," she said.
"We know what we did was wrong," she said at the end of her social statement.
FOX 4 reached out to the student and asked her to comment on the support or criticism she has received, but has not received a response. WIBW-TV which covers news in Topeka, Manhattan and Emporia, reported that the student was a member of K-State's Beta Upsilon chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. FOX 4 contacted ZTA and was told the student was not an active member.
"To clarify, she is not a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and has not been since spring 2015," said Ashley Sherman, Director of Communication. The sorority released an official statement below:
In a letter posted on the Kansas State University website, Dr Zelia Wiley, Interim Associate Provost for Diversity, writes that the student is no longer enrolled at K-State:
Below is the first, original letter posted to the website from Dean Bosco: