Unrest at Mizzou: a timeline of events
On Wednesday, ABC 17 News obtained a scathing email sent by former University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe in which he blasts a number of MU officials and claims he resigned to prevent a Ferguson-like protest.
The letter, which Wolfe says he sent because of “grave concerns about the future of the University,” comes just two months after Wolfe resigned amid unrest and protests at Mizzou.
The missive is the latest in a long line of events that has shed a national spotlight on the University of Missouri.
Here’s a look back at the unrest at Mizzou:
August 2015:
The University of Missouri announced it would no longer pay for graduate students’ health insurance. The decision was ultimately reversed, but it sparked rallies with hundreds students demanding change and voicing concerns over racial issues on campus .
September 2015:
Former Missouri Student Association President Payton Head posts on Facebook that he has experienced discrimination at MU.
Former MU Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin issues a statement denouncing “recent incidents of bias and discrimination” but students later protest saying nothing has been done to address their concerns.
October 2015:
Loftin orders diversity and inclusion training for all students and staff in 2016.
Days later, protesters block Wolfe’s car during Mizzou’s homecoming parade to express their concerns. Tensions escalate when Wolfe doesn’t immediately respond to a claim from graduate student, Jonathon Butler, that he was bumped by Wolfe’s vehicle in that parade. The group ConcernedStudent1950 issues a list of demands that includes an apology from Wolfe as well as his resignation.
November 2015:
Wolfe issues a statement addressing race issuesas graduate student Jonathon Butler continues a hunger strike protesting “inequalities, inequities and obstacles faced by students, faculty and staff at the University of Missouri.” At the same time, protesters set up a tent city on campus. Professor Melissa Click is caught on camera harassing a student journalist and calling for “muscle” to have him removed from Carnahan Quadrangle. Several MU football players tweet their support of the protests, as well as Butler, announcing they will boycott any future football related activitiesuntil Wolfe resigns. MU head football coach Gary Pinkel comes out in support of his player’s actions. UM System President Tim Wolfe resigns. MU football players resume team activities. The University of Missouri Board of Curators announces Mike Middleton as the interim President for the UM System. At the same time, the board turns over MU Chancellor responsibilities from R. Bowen Loftin to interim Chancellor Hank Foley. MU head football coach Gary Pinkel announces he will retire from his positionat the end of the season due to health concerns.
December 2015:
Rep. Rick Brattin files a bill that would revoke the scholarship of any college athlete who refuses to play for non-health reasons. He later withdraws the bill amid backlash.
January 2015:
Wolfe fires back at MU officials in a biting email. Senator Kurt Schaefer, as well as other lawmakers, address Wolfe’s claims in his email. The UM System Board of Curators suspends Professor Melissa Click without pay after she is charged with third-degreeassault. Click was caught on camera grabbing a student’s arm during the November protests. University of Missouri’s Student Association president-elect Hayden Gomez resigns. Vice president Christopher Hanner briefly takes over president responsibilities, appointing former MSA president Payton Head as vice president before he subsequently resigns. Head is now serving as interim MSA president.
