(TALLAHASSEE, FL) – Terica Williams, a recent graduate of Florida A&M University, is facing outrage after leaving out her cap and gown and instead sporting her birthday suit in graduation photos that have broken the internet.
“As I’m standing here with my Masters Degree at the tender age of 24, I am the living proof that clothes do not define you,” the nudist wrote on July 30 to Instagram. “I encouraged every body to embrace their bodies and step outside social norms.”
FAMU Launches Investigation After Graduating Student Poses Nude On Campus In Viral Pics – https://t.co/2iJQK2Ux9u pic.twitter.com/WWyHUqi56J
— EURweb (@eurweb) August 2, 2022
Williams stood in front of FAMU’s mascot, “Rattler”, and bared it all from head to toe, sporting red-bottom Louboutin pumps and a snake wig.
Her photos have generated 49,000 likes and 10,000 comments on Instagram.
Outrage and confusion sparked amidst Williams’ celebratory post:
i just seen famu girl might have to register as a sex offender. i’m so lost 😭. lemme stay in my xula business
— kait (@hkaitt) July 31, 2022
That girl at FAMU just pissed me off. Cause why tf would you do that? Maybe the goal was to go viral and you definitely did that but at the same time you make get your degree revoked and on top of that you’re making not only your school but black people in general looking crazy.
— Hurricane Tish 💓 (@TishasaurusTV) July 30, 2022
FAMU released a statement on Twitter, saying the ‘university is aware of the picture taken’ and an investigation is currently pending.
Florida A&M University Statement regarding posted photo in front of Rattler statue. pic.twitter.com/Mhck5YDUfB
— Florida A&M University (@FAMU_1887) July 30, 2022
According to WCTV, the university announced that 24/7 surveillance would be imbedded near the campus mascot ‘Rattler’, to ensure no excessive nudists imitate Williams.
The graduate has since defended her actions on Instagram.
“My degree was earned, not given,” Williams said. “They cannot take it away. If you want FAMU to withhold my degree, then you’re the real snakes. With love, Ms. Venom.”
Staff Writer, Julianna Caban, contributed to this story.