MU President addresses race issues in Friday statement

MU System President Tim Wolfe issued a statement in response to an incident during the Mizzou Homecoming parade Friday.

In the statement, Wolfe said he met with MU graduate student Jonathan Butler, who continues a hunger strike protesting the “inequalities, inequities, and obstacles faced by students, faculty, and staff, at the University of Missouri.”

Wolfe said, “I am thankful for the leadership provided by him and the other student leaders in raising awareness of racism, injustice and intolerance.”

Wolfe went on to talk about race issues at MU, saying, “racism does exist at our university and it is unacceptable. It is a long-standing, systematic problem which daily affects our family of students, faculty and staff. I truly want all members of our university community to feel included, valued, and safe.”

Wolfe ended the statement by addressing what happened last month when the Concerned Student 1950 group halted the Homecoming parade for about 15 minutes.

Wolfe said, “I regret my reaction at the MU homecoming parade when the ConcernedStudent1950 group approached my car. I am sorry, and my apology is long overdue. My behavior seemed like I did not care. That was not my intention. I was caught off guard in that moment. Nonetheless, had I gotten out of the car to acknowledge the students and talk with them perhaps we wouldn’t be where we are today. I am asking us to move forward in addressing the racism that exists at our university – and it does exist. Together we must rise to the challenge of combating racism, injustice, and intolerance. “

This is all stemming from what black students said is widespread racism on the campus.

Black students said they feel marginalized and are accusing the predominately white Greek life system of racism.

The student group, Concerned Student 1950 have a list of 8 demands.

Those demands include holding a press conference with Wolfe publicly apologizing to the group. They want an apology for Wolfe’s car allegedly bumping into one of their demonstrators during the Homecoming parade which they were blocking.

They also want him to admit his “white male privilege.”

The group demands that he resign, and after he resigns, his replacement must be picked by a group of students with diverse background.

You can read the entire list of demands from the group here.