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In this Aug. 14, 2012 photo James Meredith, the first black student to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1962, speaks to an audience at a reading at a Jackson, Miss., book store. Meredith's current book outlines his impression of race relations, integration and the statue the university erected to commemorate his integration of the liberal arts school. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
But James Meredith tells WLOX-TV students shouldn't get sidetracked by what he calls nonsense and foolishness.
The protest late Tuesday grew into a crowd of about 400 people as rumors of a riot spread on social media. Some people shouted racial slurs. Others yelled the school cheer, "hotty toddy."
Meredith's admission sparked riots that had to be quelled by the military and police.
Meredith said Saturday that he was cursed every day he attended Ole Miss, but he paid it no attention.
He says that if he had a fight, it was with state leaders who created unjust policies.