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Wolfe looks to maintain position as Mizzou president by offering proposals

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe released a statement Sunday afternoon stating that he and other members of the administration had a plan of action to assuage protests in the past week, which have garnered national attention.

Many of the protests have been done by black student groups, and as of Saturday night, the Mizzou Tigers football team.

Even head coach Gary Pinkel showed his solidarity with his players and with the protestors on campus.

Their grievances stem from what they see as an unsafe and unwelcome campus environment after instances of racism.

One graduate student activist, Jonathan Butler, has even begun a hunger strike to get Wolfe out of office. As of Monday morning, the strike will have lasted for a week.

Wolfe, however, does not appear willing to step down, instead trying to show that he is attempting to assuage the concerns of the protesting students.

“It is clear to all of us that change is needed, and we appreciate the thoughtfulness and passion which have gone into the sharing of concerns,” Wolfe said. “My administration has been meeting around the clock and has been doing a tremendous amount of reflection on how to address these complex matters.

“Clearly, we are listening to all sides, and are confident that we can come together to improve the student experience on our campuses. We want to find the best way to get everyone around the table and create the safe space for a meaningful conversation that promotes change.

“In conjunction with campus representatives, the university began work on a systemwide (sic) diversity and inclusion strategy, plan and metrics for the University of Missouri’s strategic goals as approved by the Board of Curators in summer 2015.”

Wolfe said his administration will have a strategy announced by April 2016 that satisfies the students’ demands.