© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MU Alumni Group Dissatisfied With Campus Protests

Flickr

A group of University of Missouri alumni is not in support of protests that have been the spark of controversy on the MU campus recently. The group, known as Unity MU, began as a social media campaign last week and is concerned by the media’s portrayal of racial tensions. Members believe the movement has been counterproductive and criticize the tactics used by protestors.

1982 graduate Russ Jones founded Unity MU and said protestors are calling for tolerance and acceptance, but that their tactics do not communicate those values. He said that many who do not support the protests are afraid to voice their concerns due to fear of backlash.

“I’ve had countless people say, ‘Thank you for your courage.’ Isn’t that sad that this would be perceived as having to have courage to provide a safe platform for people to talk and dialogue?” Jones said.

Jones said many alumni want to be sensitive to the issues raised but disagree with the message that’s been employed. He said protests have exaggerated the situation and made it difficult for reasoned conversation to exist.

“Once you see these misstatements and, what appear to be fabrications, the rest of the message gets clouded, which is unfortunate for the students because that’s caused people to question the whole movement,” Jones said.

Alumni launched Unity MU to give parents an opportunity to share their own feelings and concerns. Jones said protests have caused a great deal of grief and heartache for alumni across the country.

As it garners support, Unity MU is working to create a way for students in support of the group to have an active role on campus.