News Summary
The University of Missouri has canceled the Legion of Black Collegians’ Black 2 Class Block Party, citing concerns over the event’s exclusivity based on race. With only days to go before the event, LBC described the cancellation as a significant setback and a deliberate act of erasure. Despite proposed name changes, the university upheld its decision, stating the event contradicted its commitment to inclusivity. This incident adds to ongoing discussions about racial harassment and representation on campus as LBC advocates for the rights of Black students.
Columbia, Missouri – University of Missouri Cancels Black 2 Class Block Party
The University of Missouri (MU) has canceled the Legion of Black Collegians’ (LBC) Black 2 Class Block Party, citing concerns about the event’s name implying exclusivity based on race. The university notified LBC of the cancellation only days before the event was set to take place on Friday.
In a meeting involving LBC’s executive board and high-ranking university officials, including Vice Chancellor Angela King Taylor and UM System President Mun Choi, the reasons for the event’s cancellation were discussed. LBC viewed this action as a significant setback, describing it as “a deliberate act of erasure” and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced when naming events that represent the Black community.
The university’s administration stated that the event’s title suggested the exclusion of individuals based on their race, which goes against MU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment. This sentiment reflects the university’s policy that events should not discriminate against any specific group.
In response to the cancellation, LBC proposed renaming the event to the “Back 2 Class Block Party,” yet this suggestion was also rejected by the university, which held firm on its decision to cancel the event entirely.
Previous Naming Controversies
This situation is not an isolated incident. In the past, MU instructed LBC to change the name of its “Welcome Black BBQ” to “Welcome Black and Gold BBQ.” Due to this earlier restriction, LBC chose to withdraw from the BBQ event this year altogether. LBC expressed dissatisfaction with the university’s handling of the situation and highlighted that they were not offered alternative solutions, leading to disappointment among their members.
Ongoing Issues of Racial Harassment
The cancellation meeting also touched on broader concerns about campus safety and the experiences of students with racial slurs and harassment over the past school year. The LBC reported numerous incidents in which Black students faced racial slurs during campus events and activities. In light of these ongoing challenges, LBC urged the university to openly condemn racial harassment and to provide clearer messaging regarding MU’s nondiscrimination policies.
A spokesperson for MU underlined that the cancellation was influenced not only by the contentious naming issue but also by complications surrounding the event’s permit. There was reportedly a lack of approval for the proposed location of the block party, despite LBC receiving a confirmation email that allowed them to host the event at the Black Culture Center. This discrepancy has raised questions about communication and protocol within the university.
Support from Campus Organizations
Support for LBC in this matter has come from peer organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma, a historically Black fraternity at MU. Members of Phi Beta Sigma criticized the cancellation, stating that it further entrenches barriers for Black organizations on campus, thus exacerbating the existing issues related to racial inclusivity and representation within the university community.
The decision by MU to cancel the Black 2 Class Block Party has sparked a significant discussion regarding the university’s policies, adherence to nondiscrimination, and the experiences of Black students on campus. As LBC continues to advocate for the rights and visibility of Black students at MU, the challenges faced in organizing events underscore ongoing dialogues about race, inclusion, and equity in educational spaces.
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Additional Resources
- KMIZ: Black Student Group Meets with MU Over Cancellation of Event
- KMIZ: MU Cancels Welcome Event for Black Student Group
- Columbia Tribune: Rapper Talib Kweli Coming to Columbia, MO
- WIS TV: Columbia Police Non-Profit Collaboration for Block Party
- Wikipedia: Cultural Inclusivity
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