Sophia Rosing, a 23-year-old former University of Kentucky student, has been sentenced to one year in jail following a racist attack on a Black student. The incident, which occurred in November 2022, involved Rosing physically assaulting and verbally abusing Kylah Spring, a student desk clerk. Video footage of the attack went viral, bringing significant attention to the university and the issue of racism on campus.
Rosing pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of fourth-degree assault, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Fayette Circuit Judge Lucy VanMeter sentenced her to 12 months in the Fayette County Detention Center, mandated 100 hours of community service, and imposed a $25 fine.
Rosing’s attorney, Fred Peters, expressed that he felt the sentence was “excessive,” arguing that Rosing’s actions, while wrong, should not have warranted such a lengthy jail term for a first-time offense. He noted that Rosing would be placed in protective custody due to the nature of her crimes.
On the night of the attack, Rosing, who was intoxicated, entered Boyd Hall and began using racial slurs while harassing Spring. When police arrived, she continued her abusive behavior, resisted arrest, and even bit an officer. The incident was documented on video, showing Rosing using offensive language multiple times in a short period.
Following the attack, Rosing was banned from campus and withdrew from the university. She also lost her job at Dillard’s and her social media partnerships. The university community reacted strongly, with students organizing a march in support of Spring and calling for unity and action against racism.
Kylah Spring later spoke out about her experience, emphasizing the need for awareness regarding the prevalence of racism. She stated that the incident opened her eyes to the frequency of such occurrences in America, saying, “It was an eye-opening moment for me to wake up and realize what’s happening in our country to young children of color.”
Rosing will serve her sentence under protective custody at the Fayette County Detention Center.
