University of Missouri’s Columns outside of Jesse Hall (Flickr)
One year after the University of Missouri found itself dealing with racist incidents, the school announced it suspended a fraternity amid an investigation of racial slurs.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the college, known as Mizzou, and Delta Upsilon International Fraternity suspended the campus chapter of the group Wednesday.
“Racism and sexism have no place in our Fraternity,” Justin Kirk, Executive Director of the Delta Upsilon International Fraternity said in a statement. “And we expect our members to be positive contributors to inclusive campus environments.”
Delta U’s temporary suspension means it can not use campus amenities or engage in campus events like homecoming. A statement from the college mentions they cited the frat for several infractions so far this semester, including alcohol violations.
The suspension came after two Black female students said members of DU shouted the n-word and misogynistic insults at them. The incident occurred as the students stood outside of the frat house Tuesday.
The two students are members of Legion of Black Collegians. A statement from the organization notes police approached the scene and attempted to de-escalate the situation.
“Some attempted to control members of the Legion as opposed to those yelling out of the windows,” the statement read. “Another officer used excessive verbal force with his hand on his gun, in attempts to calm one of the Legion’s members, who was rightfully infuriated about the events that just happened.”
A press release by Mizzou states campus police “immediately identified the students involved in the incident.”
However, Maj. Brian Weimer told the Post-Dispatch that while what occurred was “very disgusting,” no criminal activity transpired.
Mizzou tapped the Office of Student Conduct and the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX to handle the situation.
Weimer also noted the department looked into the Legion’s assertion of “excessive verbal force” by an officer. But he said no one filed a report.
In response to the newest incident of campus racism, students held a protest at the school’s student center. Legion president Shelby Anderson told the newspaper she and other Black students were sick of the undesirable treatment.
“It’s 2016, and I’m still made to feel like I don’t belong on this campus,” she said. “If you don’t want me here, you can leave.”
The newest allegations of racism followed Missouri’s many racial incidents on campus last year. It ultimately resulted in President Tim Wolfe’s resignation.
