University of Missouri leaders, state lawmakers talk diversity plan

The House Committee on Urban Issues met Monday to discuss diversity at the University of Missouri.

UM system President Mike Middleton testified before the committee as did curator Pamela Henrickson and Chuck Henson, the university’s interim vice chancellor for inclusion, diversity and equity.

Committee chairman Rep. Courtney Curtis said his goal was to gain a better understanding of how the administration was moving forward in addressing racial problems on the Columbia campus.

While UM leadership has established new positions and programs to help introduce greater diversity and inclusion, Curtis says it’s not enough.

The Democrat from St. Louis is pushing for legislation to sustain the more than $8 million in cuts to the UM system.

Curtis also filed a bill that, if passed, would establish a new joint committee for UM accountability and oversight.

The legislature must approve a budget before the end of session.