I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not always up to date on current social issues happening around the nation. There has been many a time, sitting at the dinner table, when I have been asked about X issue happening at Y location; and I nod along in agreement with others in conversation, wondering in the back of my mind what the heck is going on.
In retrospect, I admit I was not the first person to hear about the issues currently taking place at the University of Missouri. Caught in the middle of the whole story, I know that racism seems to be at the forefront of the student body’s social outcry, and it’s costing several head-honchos their professional careers. But I know little about how the problem began, or the nitty-gritty details concerning the rise in social unrest at Mizzou.
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For my sake, and to help all those out there who are also unclear on the details of the unrest, here’s what’s really happening in Mizzou.
What is the issue that has the students at Mizzou so upset?
A statement on Facebook made by Payton Head, a senior and leader of the Missouri Student Association, on being yelled at with racial slurs as he walked on campus.
October 5, student members of the Legion of Black Collegians were called racial slurs while practicing for Homecoming festivities.
Many other African-American students at Mizzou responded to the post via social media, inputting their own experiences with racism at Mizzou.
October 24, a swastika was discovered in a resident hall unisex bathroom, drawn with human feces (second anti-Semitic occurrence this year).
What was the school's response to the racism?
First, the University largely ignored the rising issues on campus.
October 10, an African-American organization called Concerned Student 1950, staged a protest in which they blocked Mizzou President Tim Wolfe’s car as it drove through the Homecoming parade (Wolfe did not respond, protesters were removed with force, spectators were retaliating).
October 11, the third “Racism Lives Here” rally is broken up by police.
Ocober 20, Concerned Students 1950 issue a list of demands, calling for President Wolfe’s resignation. He meets with the students on Oct. 27, without addressing demands.
November 2, graduate student Jonathan Butler beings hunger strike for Wolfe’s removal. On Nov. 5, there is a student and faculty walkout in support of Butler. On Nov. 6, Wolfe releases apology statement and expresses concern for Butler.
What’s the deal with the football players?
November 7, black football players announce they will not practice or play until Wolfe is gone. The rest of the team eventually joins them.
November 8, Coach Gary Pinkel tweets a photo of the team in support of their boycott.
November 8, Wolfe releases statement saying he will not resign.
Then what happened?
November 9, the football boycott triggers emergency meeting with governing board. Wolf resigns.
Loftin resigns as chancellor, will move to research development.
November 10, interim vice chancellor is appointed for “inclusion, diversity, and equity”.
University to review policies concerning staff and student conduct.
University will work towards employing more diverse faculty and staff.
