The 2020-21 school year challenged students academically, physically, mentally, emotionally and politically. Despite elections, protests and remote learning, MU still strived to succeed and achieve some semblance of normalcy. However, COVID-19 and racism on campus showed students that the administration is not always willing to listen and abide by student concerns.
A summer of Black Lives Matter protests demanding an end to police brutality and justice for the murder of George Floyd led students straight into a school year already fraught with tension.
Several student groups formed to call out racism at MU and demand change. Perhaps the most prominent were #StillConcerned and Mizzou 600.
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.
By Joy Mazur
The Renew Mizzou slate won the Missouri Students Association Election, as announced by MSA Wednesday at approximately 6:30 p.m.
President-elect Landon Brickey and Vice President-elect Emily Smith defeated candidates Will Shafer and Key Avingston-Banks by a margin of 134 votes 1173 to 1039.
The Renew Mizzou main campaign platform include better mental health resources and education, support for faculty and students of color, COVID-19 health and well-being and sexual health education and assault prevention. Additionally, the platform is dedicated to improving parking and transportation, supporting the Counseling Center and striving towards a zero-waste campus.
Brickey said that he and Smith are excited to serve the student body.