This is a very common thing and it is not okay for people to say the n-word if they are not black. Unfortunately, a lot of people still say it because they hear it so often in songs and movies, etc. A lot of these people don’t understand why saying it, even while singing along to a song, is not okay. Dr. Neal A Lester (on the Teaching Tolerance site) explains the significance of this term well.
“We know, at least in the history I’ve looked at, that the word started off as just a descriptor, ‘negro,’ with no value attached to it. … We know that as early as the 17th century, ‘negro’ evolved to ‘nigger’ as intentionally derogatory, and it has never been able to shed that baggage since then—even when black people talk about appropriating and reappropriating it. The poison is still there. The word is inextricably linked with violence and brutality on black psyches and derogatory aspersions cast on black bodies. No degree of appropriating can rid it of that bloodsoaked history.”]]
There is not much you can do other than confront them when they say it and tell them it is offensive and why. If it is being used negatively towards another person you should report it to an advisor or Sarvjit or Micah. If people using it, even not negatively towards anyone, continues to bother you then at least tell your advisor. If you confront someone and they are rude to you about confronting them and telling them why it’s not okay, you should report it.
Hope I could help
RED