Woman Pleads Guilty After Racist Slur Incident at University of Kentucky

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Sophia Rosing, a former University of Kentucky student, pleaded guilty on Monday to multiple charges stemming from a 2022 incident in which she directed a racial slur at a Black student on campus. The plea agreement, reached during mediation, included Rosing’s admission of guilt to four counts of fourth-degree assault, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of alcohol intoxication. A felony charge of third-degree assault on a police officer was dropped as part of the agreement, her attorney, Fred Peters, confirmed.

The mediation allowed for a face-to-face apology between Rosing and Kylah Spring, the victim of the assault. Spring, who was working at a dormitory front desk when the incident occurred, expressed that she felt her spirit remained unbroken despite the assault. “I told her she didn’t break my spirit,” Spring said, reflecting on the resolution of the case. “I’m happy to say that she didn’t, and I got to tell her that to her face.”

Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Kimberly Baird has recommended a sentence of up to 12 months for the assault charges, to be served concurrently. Additionally, Rosing faces 100 hours of community service and a $25 fine. Baird also noted that discussions are underway with the University of Kentucky to have Rosing participate in a public service announcement about the dangers of drinking, a suggestion made by Spring.

Rosing’s sentencing is scheduled for October 17, 2024, at 1 p.m. Following the incident, Rosing, who is no longer a student at the university, was initially suspended and later permanently banned from campus. The incident gained widespread attention after a video of the altercation went viral.