MU professor Click suspended after protest video

ABC 17 News has confirmed MU’s controversial assistant communication professor, Melissa Click, has been suspended with pay after getting caught grabbing a student’s camera during November protests on campus.

The University of Missouri System Board of Curators announced the decision around 7:15 p.m. after meeting behind closed doors for nearly four hours Wednesday. The Board said Click’s suspension will remain in place depending on further investigation. It will also “collaborate with the [Columbia] city attorney” to see if more discipline is necessary.

On Monday, ABC 17 News was the first to report Click was charged with third-degree assault.

Here is the full statement by UM Board chair, Pam Henrickson of Jefferson City:

“The Board of Curators directs the General Counsel, or outside counsel selected by General Counsel, to immediately conduct an investigation and collaborate with the city attorney and promptly report back to the Board so it may determine whether additional discipline is appropriate.”

Also during Wednesday’s meeting, the board confirmed Curator Yvonne Sparks from St. Louis is resigning, effective immediately. She was just appointed last year by Gov. Nixon, but said it was too difficult to effectively balance her professional duties with her role as curator, especially during this crucial time with the university system. A full term for curators lasts six years.