University of Missouri investigating reports of racist text messages

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri says it has received reports from individuals receiving text messages containing racially disparaging language that have been sent to Black people nationwide.

These text messages circulating around the country have been sent anonymously to black men, women and children as young as middle school following the presidential election.

The messages generally used a similar tone but varied in wording. Some instructed the recipient to show up at an address at a particular time “with your belongings,” while others didn’t include a location. Some of them mentioned the incoming presidential administration.

MU provided a statement Thursday stating that it is actively investigating the matter and working to identify the source of these messages. "We are also aware that similar texts have been reported at universities nationwide," said Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs Christopher Ave. "Based on the information currently available, there is no indication of a credible threat to the safety of members of the MU community.  

Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel said Black students who are members of the organization’s Missouri State University chapter received texts citing Trump’s win and calling them out by name as being “selected to pick cotton” next Tuesday. Chapel said police in the southeastern Missouri city of Springfield, home of the university, have been notified.

“It points to a well-organized and resourced group that has decided to target Americans on our home soil based on the color of our skin,” Chapel said in a statement.

The FBI is investigating these nationwide text messages.