Mizzou president resigns
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I still don't understand what he did to warrant this. I've read all the articles from the New York times and other sources.
From what I read, the protesters are upset that the administration didn't comment on the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO (where the officer was eventually completely cleared, even by Eric Holder's justice department). Then that the University's student body president (who is African American) claims racial slurs were used against him twice (one of which was reportedly off campus). I've read that there was a swastika made of feces on a bathroom wall in a residence hall.
What I still haven't read is what he did to warrant resignation. It appears like the board fed him to the protesters to appease them.
From what I read, the protesters are upset that the administration didn't comment on the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO (where the officer was eventually completely cleared, even by Eric Holder's justice department). Then that the University's student body president (who is African American) claims racial slurs were used against him twice (one of which was reportedly off campus). I've read that there was a swastika made of feces on a bathroom wall in a residence hall.
What I still haven't read is what he did to warrant resignation. It appears like the board fed him to the protesters to appease them.
Was it slow investigation on the on campus incidents? Not sure myself on this. Will be interested in the follow through on the allegations made and how those turn out.
The claim was that Missouri didn't have a culture that felt inclusive. There were multiple racial issues more than just the swastika and he didn't address them. It felt to some that it was systemic and his failure to address them in a timely authentic way led to a lack of trust.
This is an interesting point. How many colleges have an 'inclusive' environment for anyone who isn't a progressive?
There is a very fine line between victim and activism one must not be clouded by either. I promote all people who push themselves to be their best, I despise ANYONE who does not embrace opportunity. I was afforded an opportunity because I could throw 90 mph+, that is it and I took advantage of it.
If there were, they aren't spelled out in the articles covering this.
I read one other one where apparently a student made racial comments to some minority students rehearsing a play, but that's it.
Basically there were 3 incidents where mysterious white people said racist things (who no one can identify), someone took the time to draw a swastika in poop, and they are still mad about Michael Brown's shooting. From there, they made demands that the president agree with their political views (which seem essentially one and the same as the controversial group Black Lives Matter) and when he didn't he became a scalp they wanted.
Not to point fingers at you Chicolby but isn't this just a definition of life? There are many times and places that I don't feel included. I'm constantly told that everything I've worked for and earned in my life was only possible because of my 'white priveledge' and not because of my efforts and frugality. I know I certainly don't trust the people in power to be looking out for my best interests and no one addresses my issues in a timely or any other fashion. How is this only a black issue?
I knew the moment that Gary Pinkel said he was behind the players that this was going to happen. Just meaningless grandstanding from him and the players. Makes me hate them even more than I already do and hope they lose every remaining game. Which, considering how putridly bad their offense is, would not be a surprise anyway.
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anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi
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Have any of you actually read the demands of the demonstrators? Essentially he was too publicly apologize for being white and agree to their demands for further race-based hiring. They wanted him out either way. The bolding is mine, but here you go:
"I. We demand that the University of Missouri System President, Tim Wolfe, writes a handwritten apology to the Concerned Student 1-9-5-0 demonstrators and holds a press conference in the Mizzou Student Center reading the letter. In the letter and at the press conference, Tim Wolfe must acknowledge his white male privilege, recognize that systems of oppression exist, and provide a verbal commitment to fulfilling Concerned Student 1-9-5-0 demands. We want Tim Wolfe to admit to his gross negligence, allowing his driver to hit one of the demonstrators, consenting to the physical violence of bystanders, and lastly refusing to intervene when Columbia Police Department used excessive force with demonstrators.
II. We demand the immediate removal of Tim Wolfe as UM system president. After his removal a new amendment to UM system policies must be established to have all future UM system president and Chancellor positions be selected by a collective of students, staff, and faculty of diverse backgrounds.
III. We demand that the University of Missouri meets the Legion of Black Collegians' demands that were presented in 1969 for the betterment of the black community.
IV. We demand that the University of Missouri creates and enforces comprehensive racial awareness and inclusion curriculum throughout all campus departments and units, mandatory for all students, faculty, staff, and administration. This curriculum must be vetted, maintained, and overseen by a board comprised of students, staff, and faculty of color.
V. We demand that by the academic year 2017-2018, the University of Missouri increases the percentage of black faculty and staff campus-wide to 10%.
VI. We demand that the University of Missouri composes a strategic 10 year plan by May 1, 2016 that will increase retention rates for marginalized students, sustain diversity curriculum and training, and promote a more safe and inclusive campus.
VII. We demand that the University of Missouri increases funding and resources for the University of Missouri Counseling Center for the purpose of hiring additional mental health professionals -- particularly those of color, boosting mental health outreach and programming across campus, increasing campus-wide awareness and visibility of the counseling center, and reducing lengthy wait times for prospective clients.
VIII. We demand that the University of Missouri increases funding, resources, and personnel for the social justices centers on campus for the purpose of hiring additional professionals, particularly those of color, boosting outreach and programming across campus, and increasing campus-wide awareness and visibility."
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2015/11/08/missouri-protest-list-demands-issued-to-university.html
"I. We demand that the University of Missouri System President, Tim Wolfe, writes a handwritten apology to the Concerned Student 1-9-5-0 demonstrators and holds a press conference in the Mizzou Student Center reading the letter. In the letter and at the press conference, Tim Wolfe must acknowledge his white male privilege, recognize that systems of oppression exist, and provide a verbal commitment to fulfilling Concerned Student 1-9-5-0 demands. We want Tim Wolfe to admit to his gross negligence, allowing his driver to hit one of the demonstrators, consenting to the physical violence of bystanders, and lastly refusing to intervene when Columbia Police Department used excessive force with demonstrators.
II. We demand the immediate removal of Tim Wolfe as UM system president. After his removal a new amendment to UM system policies must be established to have all future UM system president and Chancellor positions be selected by a collective of students, staff, and faculty of diverse backgrounds.
III. We demand that the University of Missouri meets the Legion of Black Collegians' demands that were presented in 1969 for the betterment of the black community.
IV. We demand that the University of Missouri creates and enforces comprehensive racial awareness and inclusion curriculum throughout all campus departments and units, mandatory for all students, faculty, staff, and administration. This curriculum must be vetted, maintained, and overseen by a board comprised of students, staff, and faculty of color.
V. We demand that by the academic year 2017-2018, the University of Missouri increases the percentage of black faculty and staff campus-wide to 10%.
VI. We demand that the University of Missouri composes a strategic 10 year plan by May 1, 2016 that will increase retention rates for marginalized students, sustain diversity curriculum and training, and promote a more safe and inclusive campus.
VII. We demand that the University of Missouri increases funding and resources for the University of Missouri Counseling Center for the purpose of hiring additional mental health professionals -- particularly those of color, boosting mental health outreach and programming across campus, increasing campus-wide awareness and visibility of the counseling center, and reducing lengthy wait times for prospective clients.
VIII. We demand that the University of Missouri increases funding, resources, and personnel for the social justices centers on campus for the purpose of hiring additional professionals, particularly those of color, boosting outreach and programming across campus, and increasing campus-wide awareness and visibility."
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2015/11/08/missouri-protest-list-demands-issued-to-university.html
Here's the bottomline: these players felt as thought black people on Missouri's campus were not being treated with a basic level of respect and it is absolutely ridiculous for any of us, removed from the situation both from a racial standpoint, and the fact that we're not there, to pass judgment on whether the students' claims are meritorious. Assuming that the campus was hostile to black students, then, guess what, someone's head should roll and it's not unreasonable for that person to be the President. The buck stops with him, no?
I really think this may be a turning point in this country. If I'm a black athlete, I'm taking note of the power I have to effectuate change, particularly in conjunction with other black athletes. They have a skill in high demand in our society and they used it to do what they felt was right. This IS America after all. I love it!
I really think this may be a turning point in this country. If I'm a black athlete, I'm taking note of the power I have to effectuate change, particularly in conjunction with other black athletes. They have a skill in high demand in our society and they used it to do what they felt was right. This IS America after all. I love it!
For a university president to step down on inaction that most of you guys, and admittedly myself, feel didn't warrant him to do so, probably says there's quite a bit more to the story. Trying to appease 'progressives' and the 'minority demand' appears to simplify this whole thing and sympathize with a leader, that has admitted he didn't do the right thing for Mizzou or the student body.
Well if you get to make assumptions . . . don't those who may not share your views get to as well?
I'm assuming there are racial problems on this campus because the black students feel as though there are racial problems. Who are we to say otherwise? Do you really feel as though the black students just randomly decided to concoct a conspiracy to get the President ousted for no reason whatsoever? Are they just making these stories up? Come on man, be realistic at least.
If there's more to the story I'd love to hear it.
Those were the demands above, however, and they reek of liberal political goals in an era where campus professors who hold conservative/libertarian political viewpoints are an endangered species.
I'm sympathetic to victims of real racism. I'm not sympathetic to people using accusations of racism to silence/intimidate views they disagree with.
How do you know that he wasn't informed by the B.O.R. that he was out? Resigning would allow him to save face. And the B.O.R. may have made their decision based on whispers from a politically motivated governor.
With the 2016 election less than a year away I expect to see lots more of this stuff. And you and I will never know if it starts at the DNC HQ.
So now we don't even believe that the black students on this campus have experienced racism? How do you determine who are the "victims of real racism?" What is "real racism?" These students feel unwelcome and have relayed a near universal experience of regular racial slurs and other similar behavior. Are they all just making these things up? Are these not instances of "real racism?"
Why, yes, sometimes they are:
"Of course, suspicion is warranted: Almost a year ago, Berkeley students similarly exploded after effigies of blacks hung from nooses appeared on the UC campus. It turned out they were hung by a “Bay Area collective of ***** black and PoC [People of Color] artists” to raise awareness."
http://michellemalkin.com/2015/11/06/whos-burning-black-churches-oh/
Well they got that part right about needing to hire additional mental health professionals in item VII..
LOL! I think this is where we agree to disagree. If you're willing to deny that there is even an underlying problem at this school then we're never going to agree. I wish you well in your fantasy world.
"Hands up don't shoot" turned out to be a politically motivated fabrication. The Ferguson protesters were even paid. But to address your point, I assume in all densely populated environments (especially with young people) there is going to be some anti-social/offensive behavior.
Are you telling me you've never listened to a rap album with extremely aggressive lyrics? Are you telling me you've never offended anyone?
I agree that people who engage in hate-speech should be held accountable. But Wolfe didn't paint the swastika IMO. He was made a scapegoat. Let me ask you a question, should everyone on this board who is white apologize for it?
Again, it's one thing to dislike racism and sympathize with its victims. Everyone should, and this country's past will always haunt it.
It's another thing to use claims of racism as a club to advance political goals and intimidate.
This whole issue smells like the latter. Their demands are dripping with liberal politics.
It's another thing to use claims of racism as a club to advance political goals and intimidate.
This whole issue smells like the latter. Their demands are dripping with liberal politics.
I'm open minded to their concerns of this group and I think they should be investigated. You, however, fail to see the big picture which includes valid reason for skepticism.
The fact that you are resorting to insults gives you away. The foundation of your narrow worldview is flimsy and you don't like having it challenged.
Open your mind just a little bit. There is more discrimination in academia that you seem aware of:
"Beyond that, conservatives represent a distinct minority on college and university campuses. A 2007 report by sociologists Neil Gross and Solon Simmons found that 80 percent of psychology professors at elite and non-elite universities are Democrats. Other studies reveal that 5 percent to 7 percent of faculty openly identify as Republicans. By contrast, about 20 percent of the general population are liberal and 40 percent are conservative.
Mr. Inbar and Mr. Lammers found that conservatives fear that revealing their political identity will have negative consequences."
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/aug/1/liberal-majority-on-campus-yes-were-biased/?page=all
Sports, to be brutally honest, no I don't believe them. I'm sure there is probably some truth to the story and in this instance it may even rise to level that it could be called racism. However the race card has been played so many times in the last 2-3 years and been proven to be fabricated that it's become inpossible to know what to believe. The cry of Wolf has been heard so many times lately that many people who once may have been sympathetic no longer believe the call. I know my first thought when I heard about the situation was here we go again and when something smells fishy (which it does) about this situation it's probably a fish, or in this case a fish story!
I wish sports would come back and say, "You know, I may disagree with you guys, but you illuminate some valid points."
It's sad when open-mindedness is a one-way street.
It's sad when open-mindedness is a one-way street.
i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white, i'm sorry I' m white,
Oh, I feel so much better getting that off my chest! Friggin' white privilege!
A black Mizzoo president would make even things out, just like when the community organizer was elected, twice no less! Now there's a man that truly helped his people, 8 years worth.
I'm going back to read up on Minister Farrakhan's ( Calypso Louie in happier days) " Segreation vs Intergration"
I like the Honorable Minister, praise Allah.
Oh, I feel so much better getting that off my chest! Friggin' white privilege!
A black Mizzoo president would make even things out, just like when the community organizer was elected, twice no less! Now there's a man that truly helped his people, 8 years worth.
I'm going back to read up on Minister Farrakhan's ( Calypso Louie in happier days) " Segreation vs Intergration"
I like the Honorable Minister, praise Allah.
Sounds a lot like Ferguson doesn't it. These students have relayed a near universal experience of racial slurs and other behavior just like everyone saw Michael Brown with his hands up. The only thing is, in Ferguson it was all made up, but that didn't stop the wrecking of the officers reputation. Again in our 'demanded' rush to judgement we have ruined Tim Wolfe's reputation over accusations that nobody can prove.
IIRC the officer in question is no longer in law enforcement. And the DOJ never prosecuted anyone who made death threats toward him. No rallies to help that guy. I guess he should've gone on a hunger strike.
Can't wait to see who they hire in his place. Something tells me I know exactly who they are going to hire.
People are concentrating too much on the validity of the demands. Whether racism is real, or whatever. Or whether that attitude is representative of the whole of the people.
The reality is this, its about applying a force in the right spot. If the only people who believed that Al Sharpton was the duly elected governor of Nebraska was the 135 men on the NU football team, and they were willing to stop playing football from the 1-4 years they were on scholarship to see their measure through, NU fans may well install Al Sharpton as governor to get football back.
The reality is this, its about applying a force in the right spot. If the only people who believed that Al Sharpton was the duly elected governor of Nebraska was the 135 men on the NU football team, and they were willing to stop playing football from the 1-4 years they were on scholarship to see their measure through, NU fans may well install Al Sharpton as governor to get football back.
