Students have engaged in a weeks-long student protest against university officials’ handling of alleged racism on campus. A tipping point came when the football team refused to take the field at an upcoming game if university president Tim Wolfe didn’t step down.
The University of Missouri announced Monday that Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin would be leaving his post to become director for research facility development, hours after University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe resigned.
Loftin is the second university official to leave his position after Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel said his team would not practice or play until University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe resigned. Wolfe resigned Monday amid pressure from students who said he didn't address racial tensions on campus.
Hank Foley, the campus' senior vice chancellor for research and graduate studies and current University of Missouri system executive vice president for academic affairs, research and economic development was appointed interim chancellor for the school. In a statement the university said an interim system president would be announced as soon as possible.
Wolfe, who made the announcement at a Board of Curators meeting, appeared emotional as he read the statement and quotes from scripture.
"It's the right thing to do," Wolfe said. (His full statement is here.)
"To our students, from Concerned Students 1950 ... to football players, the frustration and anger that I see is clear, real and I don't doubt it for a second," he said.
"I take full responsibility for this frustration and for the inaction."
"My decision to resign comes out of love, not of hate."
Jonathan Butler, the student who led campus-wide protests by going on hunger strike, said shortly after the announcement that his hunger strike was over.
"It's important to note that during those discussions there was never talk about anybody losing their job," Rhoades said.
In a tweet members of the football team said they wouldn't participate in any football activities until Wolfe resigned or was removed.
Rhoades said the team's decision not to participate in practice or Saturday's game was unprecedented and there was no "no playbook, no script for what all of us have been dealing with."
Pinkel said he was moved by his athlete's emotions who were concerned about Butler's health Butler.
"I got involved because I support my player and a young man's life was on the line," Pinkel said. "I did the right thing and I would do it again."
SOURCE: BuzzFeed
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