MSA passes resolution in support of Legion of Black Collegians

The Missouri Students Association passed a bill on Sept. 10 to support the Legion of Black Collegians and their Aug. 20 State of the University Trickle Down Effects statement. 

The bill, Senate Bill 65-02, condemns the University of Missouri for “contributing to a hostile and inhospitable learning and living environment for Black students.” It passed through the full Senate with 24 yes votes and one no vote. 

The Legion posted the statement after their annual “Black 2 Class Block Party” was canceled due to its name, which UM System President Mun Choi described as suggesting exclusivity based on race. 

In a press release on Sept. 18, MSA stated that they plan to collaborate with the Legion moving forward. 

“The Association and Legion will continue to work together in finding solutions to further the next steps over the following months to address the uptick in incidents of racially-motivated harassment and hate speech seen across campus,” the release said.

In the statement, the Legion listed three demands: that the university release a public statement condemning racial harassment on campus, schedule a joint town hall meeting with the Legion within 60 days to address cultural identity issues and send out campus-wide messaging on the university’s policy on harassment. 

Mizzou responded to the statement on their official account the same day it was posted in a comment signed by Choi. 

“The University of Missouri will not respond to demands,” Choi’s comment said.  “University leaders will meet with LBC leaders to continue the discussion.”

MSA also called for other councils, including the Graduate Professional Council, to declare their support for the Legion and assist them in fulfilling their demands. 

Mizzou officials declined to comment.

 

Edited by Maggie LeBeau | [email protected]

Copy edited by Emma Harper | [email protected]

Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]