Sophia Rosing, a former University of Kentucky (UK) student, pleaded guilty to multiple charges after being caught on camera in 2022 verbally assaulting and physically attacking a UK student employee. In court, Rosing pleaded guilty to four counts of fourth-degree assault, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of alcohol intoxication.
Prosecutors have recommended a 12-month sentence for the assault charges, along with 100 hours of community service and a public service announcement for the university addressing the dangers of alcohol abuse. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 17, 2024.
The incident occurred when Rosing, who was intoxicated, was denied entry to a UK dormitory because she did not have a student ID. In response, she assaulted a student employee, Kylah Spring, while repeatedly using racial slurs. Rosing also allegedly assaulted an officer during the altercation. Mediation proceedings between the two parties were held privately before Rosing entered her guilty plea in open court.
Ex-UK Student Pleads Guilty to Assault and Racial Abuse Charges
After the hearing, Kylah Spring expressed that she had the opportunity to speak to Rosing during mediation. Spring reiterated that the incident had not broken her spirit, a sentiment she had previously shared after the incident. While Rosing’s attorney claimed that she was remorseful and had stopped drinking, Spring was unconvinced, stating that true remorse would be shown through actions, not just words.
Spring also pointed out that in court, Rosing did not directly address the racial slurs she had used. Despite this, Spring believed that with time, Rosing may come to fully acknowledge her actions and mature. She extended forgiveness to Rosing, explaining that she was raised to forgive and wanted to live a life rooted in kindness and forgiveness, even though it was difficult to come to terms with the situation.
In response to her experience, Spring has founded The Spirit & Grace Project, an organization aimed at supporting Black women in predominantly white colleges. She hopes to use her experience to create better resources and opportunities for others facing similar challenges. Through this initiative, Spring aims to provide the kind of support she felt was lacking during her own ordeal.
