Photo Courtesy of Terica Star/ Instagram
Famed HBCU Florida A&M (FAMU) has launched an investigation after a student named Terica Williams was seen posing nude on campus in her post-graduation photos.
FAMU announced that they launched an investigation regarding the nude photos via a press release on July 30. In it, the university’s Vice President Of Student Affairs, William Hudson Jr., Ph. D., said the university was “aware” of the racy viral pictures.
“The university is aware of the picture taken and is currently investigating the incident,” Hudson said.
Earlier that day, Williams uploaded a nude photo of herself standing in front of FAMU’s “Rattler” snake statue with nothing but heels on. She was also wearing fake snake extensions that mimicked the school’s mascot.
“Anybody who knows me knows that I’ve been dressing [provocatively] my whole life,” the new graduate said. “There’s a lot of assumptions that have [come] with me accepting my body. A lot of people questioned my capabilities and intelligence solely based on how I choose to dress. As I’m standing here with my Master’s Degree at the tender age of 24, I am living proof that clothes do not define you. I [encourage] everybody to embrace their bodies and step outside social norms. With love, Terica Williams, M.Ed #tericastar.”
She included a video clip of a recording titled “Grandmother,” in which an older woman was heard saying, “I’m so proud of you.”
Williams previously shared a photo of herself fully-clothed in a pair of flared jeans, a FAMU sweatshirt, heels, and a beautiful afro and thanked the school for her academic accomplishments.
“Dear FAMU, Thank you, because of you I: gained thousands of dollars worth of scholarships, maintained a 3.8 GPA, received a Graduate Assistant, [was] awarded a graduate fellowship, became a mentor, received a little sister from BSLS [and] perfected my image,” she gushed about the Florida-based HBCU “Now, I am joining the 2% of black therapists. For that, I am forever grateful. Warmly, Terica Williams, M.Ed (Masters in Counselor Education) #tericastar.”
Despite explaining the reasoning behind her nude photograph, many felt it was inappropriate. A FAMU student even took to the university’s official blog to criticize the young woman’s pictures.
“Williams’ creativity and originality overstepped the respect and honor for our beloved FAMU,” Lebaron Fields wrote on Aug. 2. “If her true intention was to honor her body and promote self-love and body positivity, a better course of action [would’ve been to not include] the brand of FAMU. Although I admire her courage, taking nude photos in front of the rattler statue was a step too far.”
Williams seemed to be unbothered by the backlash and the HBCU’s pending investigation, as her photos have remained on her Instagram grid.
She also had a message for those wishing for her “downfall.”
“How the people from the highest of seven hills praying on my downfall?! My degree was earned, not given. They cannot take it away. If you want FAMU to withhold my degree, then you’re the real snakes. With love, Ms. Venom 🐍 #famugrad
#tericastar”