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University Systems President Tim Wolfe responds to hunger strike

The student group, Concerned Student 1950 have a list of 8 demands.

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The Columbia Missourian reports (http://bit.ly/1GLalc3 ) Jonathan Butler, a master’s student in educational leadership and policy analysis, began the hunger strike Monday as a protest against Tim Wolfe, president of the University of Missouri System.

Wolfe went on to talk about race issues at MU, saying, “racism does exist at our university and it is unacceptable”. He said he is concerned for Butler’s health and recognizes the need for “social justice” as well.

The University of Missouri Department of English sent a letter to the UM Board of Curators and UM System President Tim Wolfe Wednesday morning informing them of the department’s unanimous vote of no confidence in MU Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin. “My behavior seemed like I did not care”. Butler is holding his hunger strike because of a “slew of racist, sexist, homophobic etc. incidents”, according to a letter published by Butler this past Monday. He said he was caught off guard at the time.

One student, Jonathan Butler, has even taken to a hunger strike “until either…”

“I will not consume any food…at the expense of my health until either Tim Wolfe is removed from office or my internal organs fail and my life is lost”. “He is being heard and I am listening”.

The student organization has also decided to make camp at the famous tiger statue on Carnahan Quad until Wolfe is removed from office in a show of solidarity with Butler. I am sorry, and my apology is long overdue. “It is a long-standing, systematic problem which daily affects our family of students, faculty and staff. I truly want all members of our university community to feel included, valued, and safe”.

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“The only way we can begin to address the systemic and pervasive issue of racism in society and the effects it has on our campuses is to engage in dialogue, to build deeper relationships and have frank conversations”, Wolfe said.

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