LSU is investigating after a disturbing video showing a woman dragging a Black baby doll with a rope around its neck through campus went viral.
Apparently, some people still need to be reminded that “it was just a doll” is not always the magical excuse they think it is.
The video reportedly shows the woman pulling the doll across the ground inside the LSU Student Union. According to the student who recorded the moment, it happened around 12:43 p.m. Wednesday.
The student then sent the video to her mother and mom posted it online.
Viral video shows students dragging a Black baby doll with a rope tied around its neck around Louisiana State University 👀 pic.twitter.com/vYkr9xOvUN
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) August 23, 2026
And just like that, the internet got involved.
The university said it is aware of the video and that the Office of Student Affairs is investigating.
While the university declined to comment, others online, including another student’s mother, have given their thoughts on the video.
The clip quickly sparked outrage across social media. People questioned what was happening and, more importantly, why anyone thought this was a good idea in the first place.
Dr. Roishetta Sibley Ozane stated that she sent the following email to the president’s office:
“Dear LSU Administration,
I am writing to you as a deeply concerned Black mother of a Black daughter, who is currently a Freshman at your university, regarding a disturbing incident involving two non-Black students reportedly walking around LSU’s campus dragging a Black doll.
As a Black mother, I can’t view something like this as harmless, funny, or simply a matter of poor judgment. The imagery of non-Black individuals dragging a Black doll carries an especially disturbing racial and historical meaning. Regardless of what the students involved claim their intentions were, the impact of this behavior on Black students and families can’t be dismissed.
My daughter, like every student at LSU, deserves to attend a university where she can learn, grow, and move across campus without being confronted with imagery that can reasonably be experienced as racist, degrading, intimidating, or dehumanizing.
I am asking LSU to take this matter seriously and provide transparency about how the university is responding. Specifically, I would like to know:
Has LSU been made aware of this incident?
Is the university investigating what occurred and the circumstances surrounding it?
Have the students involved been identified?
What university policies apply to conduct of this nature?
What steps are being taken to support Black students who witnessed the incident or have been affected by it?
How will LSU ensure that incidents involving racial intimidation, harassment, or dehumanizing imagery are addressed appropriately?
This is not simply about a doll. Context matters. History matters. Impact matters. Black students should not be expected to encounter something this disturbing and then carry on as though it means nothing.
I am also concerned about the emotional and psychological impact these incidents can have on Black students. A university’s responsibility to its students extends beyond academics. Students need an environment where their dignity and well-being are taken seriously.
I am not writing merely to express outrage. I am writing because I expect accountability, transparency, and a meaningful response from the institution where families entrust their children.
Please provide information regarding LSU’s response to this incident and what actions will be taken to address the concerns of Black students and their families.”
LSU has acknowledged the situation and is investigating the incident. That investigation will hopefully provide more context about what happened, who was involved, and what led to the bizarre scene.
