In a developing story, a majority of the members of Missouri's football team have stated that they no longer intend to practice or play until the University's President Tim Wolfe resigns or is removed from office.
The full statement, tweeted tonight:
The athletes of color on the University of Missouri football team truly believe "Injustice Anywhere is a threat to Justice Everywhere" We will no longer participate in any football related activities until President Tim Wolfe resigns or is removed due to his negligence toward marginalized students' experiences. WE ARE UNITED!!!!!
We will update as more becomes clear on this matter; but obviously this could have significant consequences on Missouri's season and program.
Update: So, looking into what precipitated this, we found this from KansasCity.com, published 2 days ago:
University of Missouri officials are working to resolve a four-day hunger strike by a graduate student accusing them of failing to respond to racism and intolerance on the Columbia campus.
Jonathan Butler, a candidate for a master’s degree in education, began the hunger strike Monday and in a letter to the board of curators called for the ouster of system president Tim Wolfe.
Butler wrote that he would not eat again “until either Tim Wolfe is removed from office or my internal organs fail and my life is lost.”
A university spokesman said Wolfe spent time talking Thursday with Butler and that administrators have another meeting set with Butler to try to address his concerns.
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/government-politics/article43334286.html#storylink=cpy
University President Tim Wolfe released a statement Friday:
Today I again had the opportunity to meet with MU graduate student Jonathan Butler who continues a hunger strike protesting the inequalities, inequities, and obstacles faced by students, faculty and staff at the University of Missouri. I am very concerned about Jonathan’s health. His voice for social justice is important and powerful. He is being heard and I am listening. I am thankful for the leadership provided by him and the other student leaders in raising awareness of racism, injustice, and intolerance. This afternoon I also met with representatives of several student groups and I value their input and hear their voices.
Racism does exist at our university and it is unacceptable. It is a long-standing, systemic problem which daily affects our family of students, faculty and staff. I am sorry this is the case. I truly want all members of our university community to feel included, valued and safe.
I regret my reaction at the MU homecoming parade when the ConcernedStudent1950 group approached my car. I am sorry, and my apology is long overdue. My behavior seemed like I did not care. That was not my intention. I was caught off guard in that moment. Nonetheless, had I gotten out of the car to acknowledge the students and talk with them perhaps we wouldn’t be where we are today. I am asking us to move forward in addressing the racism that exists at our university – and it does exist. Together we must rise to the challenge of combatting racism, injustice, and intolerance.