MU Faculty Council approves resolution to change parade float application process

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri Faculty Council approved a resolution to revise the application procedure for homecoming parade floats Thursday after a student group was blocked from being in this year's parade.

University President Mun Choi removed the Palestinian Student Organization from the homecoming parade last month. According to a correspondence from Vice Chancellor Todd McCubbin, Choi nixed their participation because of a "possible disturbance."

The Faculty Council on Thursday backed a new process that includes:

• A transparent and public-facing policy be implemented before homecoming 2025
• The policy on parade participation inclusion be decided by a diverse committee reflective of current and former students
• As part of this policy, a clear rubric with set of standards for judging which floats are allowable be developed and shared transparently and publicly
• These policies should allow all registered student organizations who wish to apply, a place within the parade space
• All decisions regarding non-registered groups be done so in a fair and equitable manner
• A policy be developed whereby denied or rescinded groups be allowed to appeal the committee’s decision
• All notifications of acceptance or denial be done in writing to the appropriate contact in a timely manner
• Once a group is accepted, there should be clear and limited policy establishing grounds for rescinding the initial acceptance.