In a case that sparked a heated debate on racism, justice, and accountability, former University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing is facing one year in jail and 100 hours of community service for using a racial slur towards a Black woman and assaulting police officers. The incident, which took place in a public setting, has raised important questions about the consequences of hate speech and violence, as well as the role of the justice system in addressing such behavior.
The incident occurred when Rosing, a white woman, got into a verbal altercation with a Black student. Witnesses reported that Rosing used a derogatory racial slur towards the student 200 times. When police arrived on the scene to intervene, Rosing became physically aggressive towards the officers, resulting in her arrest and subsequent charges.
Sophia Rosing, 23, of Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to four counts of misdemeanor assault, as well as disorderly conduct and public intoxication, Fayette County Commonwealth Attorney Kimberly Baird said. In exchange for Rosing’s plea, prosecutors agreed to reduce a felony assault on a police officer charge to a misdemeanor.
Fred Peters, Rosing’s attorney, said the plea followed mediation between Rosing and the victims, which allowed the parties to talk for the first time since the November 2022 incident. As part of mediation, the victims were allowed to confront Rosing about what happened, Baird said, adding that the victims ultimately supported Rosing taking a plea.
Rosing’s charges stem from a Nov. 6, 2022, racist tirade and assault of a Black student. It started when Rosing was arrested after a confrontation at Boyd Hall.
According to a citation from the University of Kentucky Police Department, an officer responded to the residence hall for a report of a woman assaulting staff members. The citation stated Rosing was in a corner repeating a racial slur to “a group of black females” and continued to use the word as the officer removed her from the area, adding that Rosing was “very intoxicated.”
The officer wrote that Rosing said she “has lots of money,” and gets “special treatment.” “When I told her to sit back in the chair she kicked me and bit my hand,” the officer wrote.
Rosing was arrested and was later permanently banned from campus. UK President Eli Capilouoto announced on social media that she would not be permitted to re-enroll at the university.
“As a community working to prevent racist violence, we also must be committed to holding people accountable for their actions,” Capilouoto wrote at the time.
Peters said Rosing was forced to leave school in her senior year and has struggled to hold a job due to the criminal charges and subsequent publicity.
“Her life’s been on hold since this happened,” he said.
Rosing faces a maximum of a year behind bars, though her attorney plans to ask for probation. She must also complete 100 hours of community service.
Court records indicate Rosing is expected to appear in Fayette County Circuit Court for sentencing on Oct. 17.
As we move forward, incidents like the one involving Sophia Rosing serve as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat racism and promote equality and respect for all individuals. The law must continue to hold individuals accountable for their actions, challenge harmful beliefs and attitudes, and strive toward a more inclusive and just society for all.
Flip to the next page to watch the viral video of the incident…
