Students and state leaders respond to UM System President’s statement

State leaders and many students at the University of Missouri are speaking out after UM System President Tim Wolfe released a statement Sunday addressing the continued protests on campus.

In Wolfe’s statement, he said he is aware that change is needed on campus and is willing to talk with students. You can see the full statement here.

But members of Concerned Student 1950 said they’re unsatisfied with Wolfe’s statement and they want more than just an open dialogue.

“It didn’t say he resigned so there was nothing else he could really say,” said Reuben Faloughi. “I tried to walk into it with no expectations, but I was still a little bit surprised. He’s taking the hard route.”

“I’ve been here since 2011 and every time something happens we’re talking about ‘Lets do open dialogue,'” said Ayanna Poole, one of the original members of Concerned Student 1950. “But I’ve seen no action. I’ve seen no change. I don’t feel any different on this university in 2015 then when I came here in 2011.”

Poole said they will continue to camp out on campus and protest until Wolfe is gone.

“We’re willing to stay out here until he resigns or he’s fired and there’s no compromise.”

Graduate student Jonathan Butler also continues on with his hunger strike until President Wolfe is out of office. Sunday marked the 7th consecutive day that Butler has gone without eating.

Payton Head, Missouri Students Association President, said he stands by Concerned Student 1950. He believes they are going to change the campus and the community.

“This is something that is not unique to Missouri and that’s what people need to realize,” he said. “It’s an issue that is around the nation. But with a university, what happens here, is they have the opportunity to create an environment that is inclusive. That you can put in a zero-tolerance policy for acts of bias and discrimination on this campus.”

Governor Jay Nixon also released a statement Sunday in response to the protests on campus.

“Racism and intolerance have no place at the University of Missouri or anywhere in our state,” he said. “Our colleges and universities must be havens of trust and understanding. These concerns must be addressed to ensure the University of Missouri is a place where all students can pursue their dreams in an environment of respect, tolerance and inclusion.”

Some state lawmakers, including chairman of the Missouri House Committee on Higher Education Steve Cookson, have called for the resignation of President Wolfe.

“After all of this, it has become clear, that Mr. Wolfe can no longer effectively lead the University of Missouri System,” Cookson said. “He should show leadership in his final official act and step aside, failing that the University of Missouri system Board of Curators should remove him.”

Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder also issued a statement on the controversy. Kinder said in part “While I respect the right to peaceful protest and sincerely pray for the health and safety of all involved, I cannot ignore the necessity of law and order at our universities. Student concerns must be listened to and heard out. There is a process for that. However, our universities cannot be run by individuals’ making demands or using extreme action.”

The University of Missouri Board of Curators will meet Monday at 10 a.m. for an executive session.