‘American Sniper’ causes controversy on Mizzou’s campus

The movie ‘American Sniper’ is now bringing controversy to the University of Missouri.

School officials are looking into disparaging comments directed at students for speaking out about their beliefs.

Some feel the movie should not be shown, claiming the story is racist.

The former president of the Muslim Student Organization, Farah El-Jayyousi, is the one who has spoken publicly about not wanting ‘American Sniper’ to be shown on campus.

It is the student government’s film committee that picked the movie as one of the weekly films shown.

School officials told ABC 17 News regardless of the controversy the movie will still play on campus.

‘American Sniper’ depicts the life of Chris Kyle. Kyle is the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history with 160 confirmed kills.

“I don’t really feel like its controversial because it’s a true story, and I feel like they did what they could to depict the story as true as possible,” said one MU student.

While students are speaking out to ABC 17 News on campus Tuesday others took to the student newspaper, The Maneater.

El-Jayyousi wrote this to the editor, “The fact that this film is being shown, the fact that I have to explain why this film is not only problematic but harmful makes me feel even more unsafe. Showing this film will create an even more hostile environment for me and other Arab, Muslim, South Asian and people of color on this campus.”

ABC 17 News reached out to El-Jayyousi on Tuesday but have not heard back.

On Twitter, a student tweeted Chancellor Loftin about a disparaging comment that was made regarding El-Jayyousi’s letter.

Loftin released this statement saying, “This behavior is deeply disappointing to me and to all true Tigers. I have asked the vice chancellor for Student Affairs to provide support for students affected by these social media posts and to determine whether MU’s Code of Student Conduct has been violated.”

So while disciplinary action may be in the works against those making comments on social media, some students on campus said they see both sides.

The movie though will be screened on April 17 and 18.

However, now a forum will be held after to facilitate racial discussions.

“Having a forum afterwards so we can talk about certain issues that are brought up by this movie is good, I don’t think it should be silenced,” said Ceiera Savage, and MU student.

Several student organization did remain silent on Wednesday.

The Muslim Student Organization said they don’t want to make a comment about this situation.

We are still waiting to hear back from the Missouri Student’s Association.

From 5:30 until 7 p.m., Loftin and the vice chancellor will have an open forum in Keller Auditorium to discuss race relations at Mizzou.