MU NAACP, MU4MikeBrown, Four Front Council, and the Legion of Black Collegians encouraged students to wear black and walk out of class Tuesday afternoon before meeting in the student center to participate in a die-in. Students of color read the names and stories of people killed by police between testimony and poetry.
MU4MikeBrown organizer Nayome Daughtery said the demonstration was part of the larger goal of ending racial injustice on MU's campus.
"We're not so much trying to change policy anymore, right, policy is part of it," Daughtery said. "We're trying to change an oppressive societal thought, which is a lot harder."
Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin met with students on Monday night for a listening session to hear their perspectives on Ferguson and racial inequality on campus. Kayla Jackson Williams, President of the Black Law Student Association said students were passionate about sharing their experiences, but it wasn't enough.
"Not a lot of administrators, nor faculty and staff showed up to actually hear what the students had to say," Jackson said. "I don't see how there will be change if people weren't there to listen."
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs spoke during the demonstration and thanked students and organizers for participating. She responded to the negative comments about the listening session by explaining that it was only the first step.
"We want to talk with you," Scroggs said. "We want to be with you. I want to stand with you as we work together to bring about the change that's needed at this institution."
Scroggs also said another listening session will be held soon so more students' voices can be heard.
