The interim president of the University of Missouri system is now asking for patience as the leadership team works to resolve racial unrest on the Columbia, Missouri, campus.
Mike Middleton made the plea during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. "Patience is a virtue in a situation like this,” he said. “It takes time to rebuild confidence and trust. Just as these problems did not evolve overnight, real solutions will not come quickly.”
Despite asking for patience, Middleton cited some progress at Mizzou since protests broke out in November. Among the steps taken include the hiring of a chief diversity and inclusion officer, establishing a diversity inclusion and equity task force and providing more support for students, faculty and staff who have experienced discrimination.
But Middleton says there is more work to be done.
"We have an opportunity to lead in developing mechanisms for combating racism and promoting diversity equity and inclusion,” Middleton told the crowd. “And to change our culture to one that is more respectful and more inclusive."
Middleton says the unrest at MU should also serve as a wake-up call for campuses around the country. In talking with other university leaders, Middleton says he’s challenged them to continually assess race relations on their campus and to pay attention to what their students are saying.
At the end of his prepared speech, Middleton says MU continues to face racial problems on campus. But he says they are tackling the challenges and letting them serve as learning opportunities.
"The University of Missouri refuses to be defined by the events we faced in November and in the months following,” Middleton said.
Watch the full speech in the video below.
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