Melissa Click, an assistant professor at the University of Missouri, apologized Tuesday and resigned from her courtesy appointment with the Missouri School of Journalism after a video captured her berating a student journalist during a protest on racism.
She works in the Department of Communication at the College of Arts and Science, which is separate from the Missouri School of Journalism. Her resignation of the courtesy appointment at the journalism school came just before the school’s executive committee was going to vote on her status, the Columbia Missourian reported.
David D. Kurpius, the dean of the Missouri School of Journalism, tweeted: “While the J-School faculty were meeting, Dr. Melissa Click resigned her courtesy appointment with the School. #Mizzou @mojonews”
MU student Mark Schierbecker shot video on YouTube Monday of fellow student Tim Tai taking photos on behalf of ESPN of students on Carnahan Quad where they had erected tents. Students yelled and shoved Mr. Tai, who was holding his camera, to prevent him from taking photos in what they deemed a “safe area” free from the press. Mr. Tai tried to calmly explain to the protesters that the same First Amendment that protected them also protected him, and that they were all in a public area — but to no avail.
Mr. Tai was also confronted by Greek Life and Leadership Assistant Director Janna Basler.
Toward the end of the video, Ms. Click sees Mr. Schierbecker and tries to stop him from videotaping the scene, asking the surrounding students for “some muscle” to remove him from the public area. Since then, she has received death threats and scorn on social media.
“Yesterday was an historic day at MU — full of emotion and confusion. I have reviewed and reflected upon the video of me that is circulating, and have written this statement to offer both apology and context for my actions. I have reached out to the journalists involved to offer my sincere apologies and to express regret over my actions. I regret the language and strategies I used, and sincerely apologize to the MU campus community, and journalists at large, for my behavior, and also for the way my actions have shifted attention away from the students’ campaign for justice,” Ms. Click said in a statement.
“From this experience I have learned about humanity and humility. When I apologized to one of the reporters in a phone call this afternoon, he accepted my apology. I believe he is doing a difficult job, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with him. His dignity also speaks well to the Journalism program at MU. Again, I wish to express my sincere apology for my actions on Carnahan Quad yesterday.”
The executive committee said in its own statement: “We strongly support the rights of protesters to express their opinions and beliefs, rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. The same amendment protects the rights of journalists and student journalists to cover these events and to be neutral observers and reporters. We also strongly believe that journalists should be able to do their jobs without intimidation and threats of violence. We believe in the ethical practice of journalism and that journalists should not attempt to intimidate citizens, demonstrators, and others in the newsgathering process. We are pleased that our student journalists acted professionally when faced with a difficult scenario.”
The university’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association said it still supports Ms. Basler, the Columbia Missourian reported.
“We understand the importance of upholding students’ First Amendment rights and were disappointed in the video uploaded yesterday, but we do not feel as if her actions at that time were reflective of her intentions to support students,” they said in a statement.
“Our hope is that students, Mizzou staff, and others following this story nationwide take into consideration her success in the position, her character and her unwavering support for her students. We trust that this University will hold her accountable for her actions while also considering the best interest of its students.”
• Maria Stainer can be reached at mstainer@washingtontimes.com.
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