The University of Missouri, aka Mizzou, has a background deeply rooted in racism. The University itself was founded in 1839 and slave labor was used to build its walls. One hundred and eleven years later, it’s first black student was admitted. Think about that for a second, it took Mizzou one hundred and eleven years just to open its doors to a student of color. That racial tone set in 1839 by the university is still alive and well; right now, in 2015.
Mizzou is located in Colombia, Missouri, less than two hours away from Ferguson, Missouri, where Michael Brown was murdered by a white police officer. This is where the racial tension started to set in. Black students were appalled that their university failed to recognize what had happened in their state, especially when many travelled to Ferguson to participate in the protests. This was in 2014 and things have only gotten worse.
In September, the Missouri Students Association President was abused as he walked home. He was followed by white men in a pick-up truck and repeatedly called racial slurs. Soon after, other African American students began experiencing the same thing. The victims refused to be silent about their abuse; they came forward and told their stories. However, the University Chancellor took a week to even acknowledge the incidents. To say the very least, the black students at Mizzou felt ignored, unwanted, and unsafe.
A week later, black students rehearsing for a play where interrupted by a white man screaming the n word at them. This time, the University responded to this event by removing that student from campus. This action was not enough. Removing that student did not magically end racism. A couple of days later, during the homecoming parade, a handful of African American students stopped the precession of Mizzou’s president’s, Tim Wolfe, convertible. Wolfe’s driver revved his engine and the Colombia Police threatened arrest and pepper spray. The students were harassed by their peers. But, they were still not heard. Wolfe refused to acknowledge their presence and went on his way.
Two weeks later, a student drew a swastika out of human feces on a dormitory hall bathroom wall. The university downplayed this event as well, calling it “an act of vandalism” and nothing more. On November 2, an African American graduate student at Mizzou, named Jonathan Butler, announced that he would be going on a hunger strike. He was calling for Wolfe’s removal of office because of his refusal to deal with the racism that has been taking place. Butler gained a lot of support, including the school’s African American football players along with their coach. They refused to practice and perform in games until Wolfe was removed. Finally, Wolfe was giving these students some acknowledgment; it only took an event that directly impacted Wolfe, which seemed to be the only thing he cared about. Faculty, graduate and undergraduate students alike have been engaging in sit ins and protests. On Monday, Tim Wolfe resigned.
Last night, a video surfaced of the same pick-up truck that has been harassing black students. They claim to have the perpetrator in custody but that didn’t stop others from making online threats. On YikYak, students threatened to shoot and kill black students today. Students were scared to come to class. Many emailed their professors and were disappointed to find out that these threats were not being taken seriously. Classes were to resume and it was at the discretion of the student to show up or not. Early this morning, they claimed to have a suspect in custody that was making those threats.
Unfortunately, this fight is far from over. There are no words for the anger and sympathy I feel for these students. I’ll pray for, hope for, and support these students in their struggles- which is what all of us should do. Raise awareness of what’s happening at the University of Missouri right now, in 2015.
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