Univ. of Missouri president, chancellor resign amid race relations controversy
UPDATE: The University of Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin announced Monday that he would step down as of January 1.
Original story continues below.
University of Missouri president Tim Wolfe resigned Monday amid escalating criticism and protests over his handling of racial issues on campus.
The Tigers' next game is Saturday night against BYU at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Canceling the game could have cost the school about $1 million. Players confirmed Monday that the game will be played as scheduled and they will return to practice Tuesday.
The announcement of Wolfe's resignation, effective immediately, came at a special meeting of the university system's governing body, the Board of Curators. Missouri is the state's largest school with an enrollment of more 35,000.
"My motivation in making this decision comes from love," Wolfe said at a news conference. "I love MU, Columbia, where I grew up, the state of Missouri. ... It's the right thing to do.
"I take full responsibilty for the actions that have occurred. I have asked everybody to use my resignation to heal. Let's focus in changing what we can change today and in the future, not what we can't change in the past."
Graduate student Jonathan Butler began a hunger strike last Monday, saying Wolfe should step down after failing to respond to student concerns about racial tension on campus.
Butler, appearing on CNN after Wolfe's resignation, said his strike is over.
"This is a great first step towards change," Butler told CNN.
Tensions were high on campus Monday with students camped out in solidarity, faculty members staging a walkout and canceling classes and members of the football team threatening to boycott the rest of the season.
"It is my belief that we stopped listening to each other," Wolfe said during his statement. "We didn't respond or react. We got frustrated with each other and we forced individuals like Jonathan Butler to take immediate action, unusual steps to affect change. This is not -- I repeat, not -- the way change should come about. Change comes from listening, learning, caring and conversation and we have to respect each other enough to stop yelling at each other and quit intimidating each other. Unfortunately this has not happened."
A group of black football players announced Sunday on Twitter that they wouldn't participate in any practice or game unless Wolfe resigned.
"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' experience. WE ARE UNITED!!!!!," the players' statement read Sunday.
Black student groups have complained of racial slurs and other incidents on campus. Frustrations flared during a homecoming parade Oct. 10 when black protesters blocked Wolfe's car. He did not get out and talk to the protesters as they were removed by police.
Wolfe, 57, gave no indication Sunday in a statement that he would step down. He is a Missouri graduate who was named president in February 2012.
Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel pledged support via Twitter on Sunday, posted a team photo, including coaches and what appeared to be all players on the roster, with interlocked elbows.
"The Mizzou Family stands as one. We are united. We are behind our players. #ConcernedStudent1950 GP."
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said in a statement that Wolfe's resignation was "a necessary step toward healing and reconciliation on the University of Missouri campus."
"There is more work to do, and now the University of Missouri must move forward -- united by a commitment to excellence, and respect and tolerance for all," Nixon said.
Tensions between members of the Concerned Student 1950 movement and the media took an unexpected turn in the hours following Wolfe's resignation.
A YouTube video from Columbia-based photographer Mark Schierbecker shows dozens of Concerned Student 1950 members forming a wall around the group's "tent city" at Carnahan Triangle, preventing Schierbecker and another photographer from moving in to take pictures.
"Help me get this reporter out," shouted a woman, motioning toward Schierbecker. "I need some muscle over here."
The altercations sparked online reactions from both the student movement and media members from across the country.
"Confused by this. Would like to hear protesters' explanation." wrote St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Ben Frederickson on Twitter. "Camp in public space then demand privacy from media?"
"We truly appreciate having our story told, but this movement isn't for you," read a Twitter post from Concerned Student 1950, posted an hour later.
"We ask for no media in the parameters so the place where people live, fellowship, & sleep can be protected from twisted insincere narratives," another post said.
The University of Missouri had not released a statement on the Carnahan Triangle events as of late Monday afternoon. A university representative could not be reached for comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
Reviewjournal.com writer Chris Kudialis contributed to this report.
