Former University of Kentucky Student Sentenced to One Year in Jail for Racial Assault

A former University of Kentucky student who was caught on video assaulting a Black classmate while hurling racial slurs has been sentenced to 12 months in jail. The student, Sophia Rosing, gained national attention after the 2022 incident, during which she repeatedly used the N-word and physically attacked Kylah Spring, a freshman working at the university. The assault, which was recorded and widely shared online, drew widespread condemnation and led to Rosing’s arrest.

The disturbing footage captured Rosing in a drunken state, kicking, punching, and verbally abusing Spring. While Spring described the physical violence she endured—including being kicked in the stomach—Rosing could be heard in the background continuing to call her racial slurs. Rosing also reportedly assaulted the police officer who responded to the scene, biting and kicking the officer.

Following the incident, Rosing was banned from the University of Kentucky and suspended indefinitely. She later entered a plea deal that reduced her charges, which initially included assaulting a police officer, to misdemeanors. Rosing ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of fourth-degree assault, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of public intoxication.

At a plea hearing, Rosing’s attorney, Fred Peters, shared that she had apologized to Spring during a mediation session and had written a letter expressing her remorse. “She has had a lot of time to reflect on her actions,” Peters said, noting that Rosing had also apologized to the Black community. However, Spring remained unconvinced of the sincerity of Rosing’s apology, questioning its authenticity and whether Rosing truly understood the gravity of her actions.

In addition to her year-long jail sentence, Rosing was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. Despite the reduced charges, her ban from the University of Kentucky remains in effect, preventing her from returning to the campus or continuing her studies there.

The case has become a flashpoint in discussions about racial justice and accountability on college campuses. Rosing’s actions, and the viral video that exposed them, have left a lasting impact on the University of Kentucky community, sparking protests and calls for systemic change to address racial violence in educational settings.