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COLUMBIA - MU's social justice centers have been in the public eye for the last few months due to their response to multiple issues on campus. In April, many employees were told their positions would no longer exist due to a "restructuring of the centers," which include the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, the LGBTQ Resource Center and the Multicultural Center. The restructuring was paused in May, which meant a July 1 implementation was no longer the case. MU spokesperson Christian Basi says the restructuring is necessary to improve academic success for marginalized students. Now, less than a month before the fall semester, multiple employees in these centers have stepped down from their positions due to what they say is a "lack of professionalism" in the workplace.Â
Activist group Mizzou 600 organized a protest on April 29 against the future implementation of the MU Department of Social Justice restructuring plan. The demonstration started on the steps of Jesse Hall, where speakers began listing the ways the Department of Social Justice had aided them. Two unnamed MU staff members followed the demonstration, stating that their purpose was to ensure the protest was safe. Following their beginning chants and opening statements on the steps of Jesse Hall, demonstrators walked inside to continue the protest. The demonstrators continued to chant and give statements regarding the restructuring. Staff observed the demonstration from the upper level of Jesse Hall.