University of Missouri system president Tim Wolfe resigned Monday after calls from students, faculty and lawmakers for him to step down.
Wolfe faced pressure to resign because of how he has handled racial tensions on campus, as well as other issues, reports The Huffington Post.
The decision comes after months of peaceful protests organized by the university’s students and faculty calling for an end to racism and discrimination against black students and people of color. Over the weekend, the school’s football team joined the boycott by refusing to play until Wolfe resigned.
At a press conference Wolf said, “The frustration and anger that I see is clear, real, and I don’t doubt it for a second. I take full responsibility for this frustration. I take full responsibly for the inaction that has occurred. I’d ask everybody, from students and faculty and friends, to use my resignation to heal and start talking again, to make the changes necessary.”
Commenting on Wolfe’s resignation Rea Carey, National LGBTQ Task Force executive director said, “Holding leadership accountable for lack of inaction and cultural incompetency is exactly how change comes about. The ongoing targeting and killing of young black women and men, particularly transgender black women, across the country is appalling and indicative of the racism that exists in America. Now is the time to fully address and work to end all forms of racism and discrimination. Advocates for equality and racial justice must continue to raise our voices, urging our elected officials, lawmakers, influencers, business and faith leaders to use every tool in their power to bring about much needed positive change. We commend the students, athletes and faculty at the University of Missouri for fighting for racial justice and for showing the rest of the nation just how effective the power of organizing can be when people stand united for change.”
