News Summary
The University of Missouri has canceled the LBC’s Black 2 Class Block Party, citing concerns about racial exclusivity in the event’s title. LBC described the decision as ‘a deliberate act of erasure.’ This follows ongoing discussions about campus safety and previous challenges LBC faced with event naming. While MU aims to ensure inclusivity, LBC argues that such actions disregard the experiences and needs of Black students.
Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Cancels LBC’s Block Party Over Exclusion Concerns
The University of Missouri (MU) has canceled the Legion of Black Collegians’ (LBC) Black 2 Class Block Party, citing concerns that the event’s name could imply exclusivity based on race. The cancellation was communicated to LBC on Monday, just days ahead of the planned event on Friday.
The decision followed a meeting between LBC’s executive board and university leaders, including Vice Chancellor Angela King Taylor and UM System President Mun Choi, where the cancellation was discussed. In a statement on Instagram, LBC referred to the cancellation as “a deliberate act of erasure,” emphasizing that naming events has become increasingly challenging.
MU officials expressed that the term “Black” in the event’s title suggested a form of racial exclusivity, which contradicts the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment. Consequently, when LBC offered to rename the event to “Back 2 Class Block Party,” the university declined this alternative proposal.
This is not the first instance where LBC faced challenges with event naming. The university previously required LBC to change the name of its “Welcome Black BBQ” to “Welcome Black and Gold BBQ,” leading LBC to withdraw from that event entirely this year. The organization has voiced frustration over administrative responses and the perceived lack of alternative solutions during their interactions with university officials.
The university has maintained that all events hosted on campus must not exclude individuals based on race, reflecting its policy against discrimination. However, LBC has argued that the university has previously shut down initiatives similar to the block party, which has compounded discontent among its members.
Background of Racial Harassment Incidents
The meeting that addressed the cancellation of the block party also encompassed broader issues around campus safety and the experiences of students facing racial slurs and harassment. Over the past school year, LBC reported several incidents of racial harassment occurring on campus, asserting that a significant number of Black students have encountered racial slurs during various university activities.
During the discussion, LBC urged the university to publicly denounce racial harassment and to enhance communication regarding its nondiscrimination policies. Concerns over a lack of clarity in these policies have been a consistent point of discussion among students advocating for a safer and more inclusive environment.
Discrepancies and Permit Issues
Compounding the matter of the event’s naming, the cancellation was also said to be influenced by issues related to permit authorization for the block party. A spokesperson for MU noted that LBC did not secure the necessary approval for the proposed location of the event. This creates additional confusion as LBC received a confirmation email, which implied that they were allowed to host the gathering at the Black Culture Center.
This disparity between university claims and LBC’s experience regarding permits has raised questions and concerns about the consistency of communication from university officials. Additionally, Phi Beta Sigma, a historically Black fraternity at MU, has expressed support for LBC, critiquing the cancellation as an obstruction to the efforts of Black organizations on campus.
As the tensions surrounding this event and its implications continue to unfold, the focus remains on the university’s policies aimed at ensuring an inclusive atmosphere for all students while addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by Black organizations and students at the University of Missouri.
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Additional Resources
- KMIZ: Black Student Group Meets with MU Over Cancellation of Event
- KMIZ: MU Cancels Welcome Event for Black Student Group
- Columbia Tribune: Rapper Talib Kweli Coming to Columbia, MO
- WIS TV: Columbia Police Non-Profit Collaboration for Block Party
- Wikipedia: Cultural Inclusivity
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
