MU communications professor Melissa Click, who blocked photographer Tim Tai from taking photos and who famously called for “some muscle” to remove independent photographer Mark Schierbecker during the Concerned Student 1950 protests, has been suspended by the UM System Board of Curators.
UM System Board of Curators Chairwoman Pam Henrickson made the announcement Wednesday night upon the conclusion of a four-hour, closed-door special board session.
“MU Professor Melissa Click is suspended pending further investigation,” Henrickson said in the [news release.](http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/news/news_releases/012716_statement)
The news release also stated that the Board of Curators will work with a General Counsel to conduct an investigation in collaboration with the city attorney so that the board can determine whether Click needs to be punished further.
Click’s suspension comes after being charged with third-degree assault on Jan. 25 by Columbia city prosecutor Steve Richey. The punishment if found guilty could be up to 15 days in jail and up to a $300 dollar fine.
The viral video, which has received nearly three million views, is what put Click into the national spotlight. She has since apologized for her actions.
“I regret the language and strategies I used, and sincerely apologize to the MU campus, community, and journalists at large, for my behavior, and also for the way my actions have shifted attention away from the students’ campaign for justice,” Click said in her apology.
_Edited by Hailey Stolze | hstolze@themaneater.com_
