University of Missouri investigating reports of racist text messages
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri is one of many schools nationwide to receive reports of racist texts being sent to Black students.
MU Spokesperson Christopher Ave confirmed at least one person on campus has received a racist message. He said in a statement Thursday that anyone found to be violating university rules will be held accountable.
"The University of Missouri has received reports of individuals receiving text messages containing racially disparaging language," Ave said. "We are actively investigating the matter and working to identify the source of these messages."
According to the Associated Press, the messages have been reported in several states including Missouri, New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
The messages are sent anonymously and wording can vary, sometimes referencing slavery or President-elect Donald Trump's Administration.
MU freshman Mikaylah Larkin did not receive the text herself, but said the news of those messages has left her scared and upset.
"To me, it's just really gross," Larkin said. "I understand there's an election that just happened, but using that type of language is just not acceptable at all. It's just so disheartening, being Black myself, and just realizing just how serious and just how real racism is in a day-to-day sense."
State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) released a statement Friday calling the messages "abhorrent and unacceptable."
"I urge the University of Missouri and all applicable local law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this serious matter," Tyson Smith said. "These egregious acts are 100% unacceptable in our community and those responsible need to be held accountable."
Meanwhile, the FBI said Thursday it is also looking into the messages.
"The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter," the bureau said in a statement.
Any MU student who receives one of these messages should report it to the university's Office of Institutional Equity. Ave said there is currently no indication of a threat to anyone's safety based on these messages.
Students impacted by these messages can receive support at the Mizzou Counseling Center, the Wellness Resource Center or the CARE Team, according to Ave.
These messages have also been reported at other schools across the state, including Missouri State University in Springfield.
Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. 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."
Chapel said police have been notified.
“This is terrorism plain and simple," Chapel said in a statement Thursday. "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. The schools that were targeted and law enforcement need to take these reports seriously and act quickly to prevent the escalation to physical violence.”
