adminWASHINGTON. — The University of Missouri’s president resigned on Monday amid controversy over his handling of racial tensions on campus that prompted many black American football players to pledge not to take to the field until he stepped down.
Tim Wolfe resigned as student protests mounted, saying it was important for students and faculty to “heal, not to hate,” and to move forward.
“I’m resigning as president of the University of Missouri system,” Wolfe said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
“I take full responsibility for this frustration and I take full responsibility for the inaction that has occurred,” he said at a press conference. Racial slurs have been directed at black students. In October, a swastika was drawn with human faeces on a dormitory wall, according to media reports.
Over the weekend, dozens of black players on the university’s high-profile football team said they would boycott team activities, including a major game next Saturday, until Wolfe either stepped down or was removed. Head coach Gary Pinkel backed his players.
Shortly after Wolfe’s announcement, Pinkel said team activities were resuming immediately and Saturday’s game was on.
“We are hopeful we can begin a process of healing and understanding on our campus,” the coach said in a statement, Missouri media reported. — AFP.
Online Reporter