Nov. 8 marks day seven of Jonathan Butler’s hunger strike at the University of Missouri. Throughout the past year, many incidents of racism have occurred, and the school faculty has not been actively responding to these incidents.
These incidents of racism and intolerance have been occurring, for the most part, on Columbia’s campus. For this reason, Jonathan Butler, who is pursuing a master’s degree in education, has taken a stance and commenced a hunger strike.
Butler wrote a letter to the University of Missouri Board of Curators demanding University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe’s removal. The Board of Curators at the University of Missouri is:
“… the governing body of the University of Missouri, consists of nine members, who are appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; provided, that at least one but no more than two shall be appointed from each congressional district, and no person shall be appointed a curator who shall not be a citizen of the United States, and who shall not have been a resident of the state of Missouri two years prior to his appointment. Not more than five curators shall belong to any one political party.”
Since Monday morning, Butler has denied his body food and nutrients, only digesting water. In his letter, Butler made it clear he would fast “…until either Tim Wolfe is removed from office or my internal organs fail and my life is lost,” he said.
Jonathan Butler Protesting
Other groups on campus have also begun to protest along side Jonathan Butler. The department of English sent out a letter to Tim Wolfe communicating their frustration in the leadership of the Chancellor of the Columbia Campus, R. Bowen Loftin. There is also the group Concerned Student 1950, which was an organization created in September by Butler and ten other students. These students have been camping out at Traditions plaza, which is the center of the Columbia campus. The group’s name signifies the year in which the University of Missouri accepted its first black graduate student by the name of Gus T. Ridgel. Although this organization has a name and a purpose, Ayanna Poole, a member and dear friend of Butler, stated that, “Every single black student on the MU Campus is Concerned Student 1950.”
The urgent removal of Tim Wolfe is being demanded because of the lack of response the president has had with racial attacks toward MU students of color.
Recently, the athletes of color belonging to the Missouri football team have demonstrated their allegiance in the statement, “Injustice Anywhere is a threat to Justice Everywhere.” They will not be participating in any football related activities or events until the removal of the President Tim Wolfe. However, according to USA Today, Athletics Director Mark Rhoades released a statement saying:
“Today, Sunday, there will be no football practice or formal team activities…Our focus right now is on the health of Jonathan Butler, the concerns of our student athletes and working with our community to address the serious issue. After meeting with the team this morning, it is clear they do not plan to return to practice until Jonathan resumes eating. We are continuing to have department, campus and student meetings as we work through this issue and will provide further comment (Monday) afternoon.”
Some of the Missouri football team with Jonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler is fighting for justice, freedom and equality. This nation was founded on some of those exact same beliefs. This young man is an asset to this country. He is pursuing a degree to help with the educational system in the U.S. He is a young man who is willing to die for what he believes in, and that is the essence of a true American.
Jonathan Butler: remember his name and remember his cause — because this is a man who is on the edge of life and death due to racism.
Update: At 10:37 a.m. on Nov. 9, the Associated Press reported that President Tim Wolfe stepped down from his position.