Student group alleges MU is erasing Black voices after event was canceled over name

By: Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Legion of Black Collegians claims the University of Missouri is trying to erase its presence, while administrators cite inclusivity concerns over a canceled event.

The Legion of Black Collegians stated in an Instagram post on Wednesday that its “Black 2 Class Block Party” was canceled after administrators took issue with the name.

University of Missouri President Mun Choi responded with a statement Wednesday, claiming the name was not inclusive.

"The University of Missouri fosters a non-discriminatory campus environment. When holding events using University facilities, student organizations must avoid excluding individuals based on race. The name of the 'Black 2 Class Block Party' proposed by LBC suggested such exclusivity. For that reason, the decision was made that the event as described would not be held on campus."

The situation has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many students and alumni weighing in on the ongoing conflict.

Students say they are not surprised by the decision, pointing to a similar conflict last year when the group’s “Welcome Black BBQ” was challenged by the university. In response, LBC created the new block party as an alternative. The "Welcome Black and Gold BBQ" will still be held on Aug. 29 at the Black Culture Center, but the LBC has withdrawn from participating, the group wrote.

MU junior Dorion Bailey, who was a part of the LBC executive board last year, said the organization had to carefully navigate wording in its events.

"We ran into the same kind of discrepancies last year with name changes and know that our organization is being looked at in terms of what kind of events we're trying to put on and the language that we're using within our programming," Bailey said.

Despite the challenges, Bailey said last year’s event was a success.

“We had a very positive turnout, and I even noticed fleets of administrative leaders coming to the event and relishing in the festivities,” he recalled.

LBC accused the university of canceling the event without offering alternatives.

"These actions are a deliberate act of erasure. At every turn, we are shut down. Things as simple as putting "Black" in a name, results in consequences," the statement read.

Incoming freshmen Delali Thompson and Lauryn Jackson said the decision left them discouraged.

"Being a Black student in a PWI [predominantly white institution], it's natural for us to want to find each other, find connections, resources, and I don't think it's fair for the school to cancel an event just because we want to find out community," Jackson said.

Thompson shared similar sentiments.

"I was really disappointed about that, especially being like a new black freshman. It just ruined my first impression of the school because I was ready to meet some other people, because this is a PWI."

Students argue the university's stance is inconsistent. Based on Mizzou Events Calender there is several events hosted for specific marginalized groups.

"I find that interesting in the way that the University chooses what kind of language to deem as acceptable and non-acceptable, because there's nothing wrong with any culture, any kind of organization wanting to put on anything or the student body," Bailey said. "So my thing is, when we do put an emphasis on black, do you want us to say African American?"

Following the cancellation, LBC is demanding that the university:

• Release a campus-wide message addressing the decision
• Hold a town hall within 60 days
• Publicly condemn racial harassment

Choi also said in his statement that the school will not respond to demands, but university leaders will meet with the LBC "to continue this discussion."