Fear over racism grips Mizzou campus, sparks #PrayForMizzou and #BlackOnCampus

Just two two nights after University of Missouri president Tim Wolfe resigned amid student protests and a faculty walk-out, the campus was shaken again.

It began with a slew of threats posted last night to Yik Yak — an anonymous messaging app that’s gained popularity on college campuses across the country. The threats were directed at the university’s black population.

Unacceptable @Mizzou Tigers. pic.twitter.com/w3p3OeHVNV

— MSA (@MSAmizzou) November 11, 2015

“I’m going to stand my ground and shoot every black person I see,” read one. “Don’t go to campus tomorrow,” read another.

The university has apprehended the suspect who issued the threats, but not before fear had apprehended Mizzou’s student body.

At roughly the same time, one student sent a series of tweets that a pick-up truck full of white men was circling campus and shouting threats at students. Another tweeted a video of the truck in question.

https://twitter.com/mariehaileyy/status/664266052654657536
https://twitter.com/mariehaileyy/status/664267185032794112

This is the truck involved #Mizzou pic.twitter.com/ooDEsK0tIS

— Bradley J. Rayford (@BradleyRayford) November 11, 2015

Rumors started circulating that the KKK had arrived. Those proved false, but not before several on campus, including University of Missouri Student Body President Payton Head cautioned against the white supremacist group.

By 1 a.m. EST, #PrayforMizzou was trending on Twitter, as the university tried to decipher fact from fiction while students continued to voice their fear.

About to have a living room full of freshman because THEY ARE SCARED TO BE IN THEIR DORMS! @mizzou this. Is. Very. Real.

— Bobbie Woods (@BobbiePin94) November 11, 2015

Never in my 4 years have I felt sooo unsafe on this campus. Me, No, MY PEOPLE are being targeted. This is not how we should feel

— Myles Artis (@MylesDArtis) November 11, 2015

One professor told his students that class would be cancelled today amid that fear, and acknowledged the presence of racism at the university.

“By holding class at our regular time, I would be forcing my students who do and probably should feel threatened to implicitly disobey me in order to protect their lives by not attending my class,” he wrote to them.

Another professor told students that he would still issue a test, despite concern of campus safety.

“If you don’t feel safe coming to class, then don’t come to class. I will be there, and there will be an exam administered in our class,” he wrote in one email.

My Teacher had the nerve to email me, "If we cancel class, then we let the bullies win." Like this is a game or something.

— JJ (@JJNotJayJay) November 11, 2015

Those email exchanges quickly went viral last night, and rumors circulated today that the professor has since resigned. A university spokesperson has confirmed that the professor is still employed with the university.

Now, Concerned Student 1950 — the group who organized the protests — Jonathan Butler — the student who went on a one-week hunger strike for Wolfe’s resignation — and others outraged by the university’s response to the potential of danger are calling on Mizzou alums and students to share their stories of racism on Twitter.

Black Students and black alum, tell us your experiences as a marginalized student. Hashtag #BlackOnCampus

— ConcernedStudent1950 (@CS_1950) November 11, 2015

The fact that my school doesn't feel the need to recognize death threats towards its students as valid…#BlackOnCampus

— Tashan Reed (@tashan1996) November 11, 2015

In the 5 years I attended Mizzou, living on and off campus, I never felt safe. #blackoncampus

— Jasmine (@Jazzysaywho) November 11, 2015

The university has since issued this statement on their alert system:

“Mizzou leadership hears your concerns and condemns threats made against our community. We want you to know we’re here and are focused on your safety and well-being. We’re working as a team to continue to move forward as a stronger community.”