Statement

September 28th, 2016

COLUMBIA, Mo.- Last night, University of Missouri police received a report of an incident during which racial slurs were used. MU police officers responded immediately and identified the students involved in the incident. Both the Office of Student Conduct and the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX have been notified; officials in both offices are taking appropriate action. Additionally, Kevin McDonald, interim vice chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, is meeting with the students affected and has offered support from the University. Counseling Center staff have been alerted and will be reaching out to affected students to offer support today.

“I am outraged and saddened to hear of this! The safety and security of our campus is our No. 1 priority; the University of Missouri is committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment where all students, faculty, staff and visitors can live, learn, work and feel safe,” said Hank Foley, interim chancellor. “We have zero tolerance for actions like this; if any student is found in violation of the Student Code and/or the University’s nondiscrimination policies, they will be subject to discipline, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. As we have stated, this is a new day on campus and we take our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Discovery and Excellence seriously.”

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact either the Office of Student Conduct (573-882-5543) or the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX (573-882-3880).