Mizzou bans 2 youth after racist harassment of black students on campus

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KCTV) – Two people have been expelled from the University of Missouri after reports of racist incidents targeting Black students on campus.

Members of the university’s Black Student Government say more needs to be done to protect students, but realize the university can only do so much from a legal perspective.

The meeting took place Wednesday after the Legion of Black Collegians, or LBC, learned that two of its members were targeted while walking near the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center on Oct. 6. In a social media post, LBC said a pickup full of white men shouted the N-word and then drove away.

In a second incident, another student was attacked in the same way, according to the group.

READ ALSO: ‘Cultural touchstone’: Historic 18th and Vine monument revived

A Mizzou spokesperson said the University of Missouri Office of Institutional Equity and the University of Missouri Police Department are investigating the allegations.

According to the university:

• In each incident, the driver is identified as a minor
• Neither driver is a student or employee
• Neither driver is allowed on campus, except in very specific circumstances

“We do not tolerate discrimination and harassment on our campus. We encourage any member of our campus community who experiences this type of behavior to contact the Office of Institutional Equity (equity.missouri.edu). If you feel unsafe on campus, call MUPD immediately. We must all work together to keep our community free from this unconscionable behavior,” said University of Missouri spokesperson Travis Zimpfer.

READ ALSO: Businesses believe City took too long to close the ailing store

Mizzou also responded to LBC on Instagram with a statement from President Mun Y. Choi.

Choi said he contacted the affected students on Oct. 13 and shared his regrets about their experiences.

Choi then outlined the steps taken during an investigation into what happened.

• Used campus video cameras to identify the individuals leaders say were involved in this month’s racist incidents
• We have banned the youth from campus
• The university is investigating additional sanctions available against the individuals

The Legion of Black Collegians said incidents like the two reported are not unique to Mizzou’s campus, and more needs to be done.

The organization has submitted an incident form to the Office of Institutional Equity so the school can address the situation.

The Legion then issued a list of demands and gave Mizzou 30 days to respond.

TO DEMAND

The Legion of Black Collegians demands from the university:

1. Escalates our incident report to a formal complaint and ensures rights and options are provided to those affected
2. In honor of our pre-planned meeting for the end of October.
3. Establishes the extensive consequences of engaging in this vile behavior within the Division of Student Responsibility and Support, including but not limited to expulsion, suspension, removal from board activities, etc.
4. Routinely maintains the use of campus cameras to monitor this behavior
5. Issues a statement disclosing the findings of the investigation, condemns this and previous incidents, and lists actionable steps that the University’s students, faculty, and staff will take to prevent this incident from occurring again.

After Wednesday’s meeting with President Choi, the group said it understands the university is in a position where it can only do so many things from a legal perspective.

In a statement, LBC leaders said the group is exploring contacting the school districts where the two youths attend for further punishment. The group says it is also investigating the possibility of increasing security, including by monitoring cameras more often.

READ ALSO: ‘It’s just like a highway’: KCPD evaluates intersection after officer was struck while riding motorcycle

The group said it is concerned that banning the youth is the only action the university can really take at this time.

The Legion said its current focus is on increasing safety so other students don’t have to deal with incidents like this month.

READ ALSO: Youth injured after being hit by law enforcement officer near KC High School

Students who feel they are experiencing any form of discrimination are asked to contact the University’s Office of Institutional Equity (equity.missouri.edu). Students who feel unsafe on campus should immediately call the campus police.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.