The University of Mississippi, often referred to as Ole Miss, has a complex history with regards to race and Black students. The university was founded in 1848, and like many institutions in the American South, it was initially established as a segregated institution that excluded Black individuals.

The university became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement in 1962 when James Meredith, a Black Air Force veteran, applied and was ultimately admitted to the university after a legal battle. His enrollment was met with significant opposition from both students and the state government, leading to violent riots and demonstrations on campus.

Despite facing intense hostility and threats, Meredith successfully enrolled at the university, becoming the first Black student to do so. His enrollment marked a significant moment in the desegregation of higher education institutions in the South.

Since then, the University of Mississippi has made efforts to improve diversity and inclusion on campus. However, like many institutions with a history of segregation, it continues to grapple with issues of racial equity and representation among students and faculty. The university has taken steps to acknowledge and address its complicated history with race, including the establishment of a Center for Inclusion and Cross-Cultural Engagement and the creation of programs and initiatives to promote diversity and understanding on campus.