Mizzou YDSA to protest federal warrant sweep and university president’s meeting
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri's Young Democratic Socialists of America will hold a protest Thursday in response to a federal "warrant sweep" from last month and University of Missouri System President Mun Choi's meeting with Gov. Mike Kehoe.
Mizzou YSDA will meet at Speaker's Circle on the University of Missouri's campus at 3 p.m. on Thursday, before protesters march towards City Hall.
According to a social media post, the student group has three demands they want addressed:
- Stop sharing the city's surveillance data with Homeland Security and ICE and shut down Flock surveillance systems.
- Keep Homeland Security/ICE out of Columbia and keep policing local.
- Ensure city policy is directed by elected city officials, not Gov. Mike Kehoe or Mun Choi.
In November, various law enforcement agencies were in and around Columbia to conduct a warrant sweep, which was referred to as "Operation Brightside." During the sweep, people with federal warrants were arrested, with most arrests involving gun-related charges. Some were also arrested on drug charges.
Last week, University President Mun Choi met with Gov. Kehoe to discuss public safety in the city, but a number of city leaders were not invited. This meeting strengthened tensions between the city and the university after Choi asked city leaders to crack down on crime, after a Stephens College student was shot and killed in late September. Choi then sent an 11-step action plan to officials.
