College freshman's blackface photo hits social media, calls for expulsion are reported: 'We need to take action

After a Xavier University freshman posted a blackface photo of herself to social media, WXIX-TV reported there have been calls for the student's expulsion.

The caption of the apparent Snapchat photo reads, "Who needs white when black lives matter."

“I was absolutely shocked and heartbroken that somebody would do such a thing and treat it as a joke when really it’s a serious matter,” student Simone Flucker told WLWT-TV.

Another student, Charla Henderson, told WLWT: “I want people to realize this is bigger than someone painting their face with black paint. This is history, hundreds of years of oppression on behalf of black and brown bodies. To channel that message means you’re channeling all that hurt and hatred.”

A separate photo posted on Facebook showed a skeleton apparently dressed in an African-style shirt inside a Xavier dorm window along with a banner that read, "Trump: Make America great again."

“I think it’s a very scary thing, especially to wake up in the morning and see that, because I live right across the hall from the person who had the Dashiki and the skeleton,” student Niara Jones told WLWT, adding, "We need to take action.”

University President Father Mike Graham had this to say to the campus community, WLWT said:

I am outraged and deeply troubled by recent racist images connected to Xavier students. Racist actions are unacceptable on our campus, and we have mechanisms to respond in a responsible and thoughtful manner. When one of us falls short, we all fall short.

Many of our students, of all races, are in pain over this. Steps are being taken to make sure that all members of the Xavier community know that we must act with integrity, justice and generosity, in solidarity for and with each other. Please be assured this is being addressed on campus through a variety of channels.

I will personally continue to stay on top of this and keep you updated.