JOR 221 Project 8
Missouri & Racism
By Hailey Flavin
With all of the racist accusations at universities across the country people at the University of Rhode Island are asking, “Will an uprising occur here?”
President of the University of Missouri, Tim Wolfe stepped down after a series of racist events occurred. According to students, these events were not handled in an acceptable manner by administration.
After African American students were called inappropriate and derogatory names, Wolfe responded with nothing but,
“Racism does exist at our University and it is unacceptable.”
Students and athletes rebelled with events as far as starving themselves until Wolfe agreed to step down.
There are students on the University of Rhode Island campus that believe an uprising is absolutely possible.
“I believe URI could possibly have an uprising because there is not enough diversity on campus,” said junior Katie Gregory.
“I believe the racism is just as bad in New England as in the South,” senior Christina Wright went on to say.
These students have observed their surroundings and noticed a lack of diversity on the campus.
Professor and Jr. Director of Enrollment Services, Dr. Carnell Jones, thinks differently.
He helped to lead a discussion on “What’s happening in Missouri? Race, violence & campus response,” held on November 3.
Jones grew up in Ferguson and then went on to attend the University of Missouri Columbia in the fall of 1989. Having come from a predominantly black area, he was in store for a culture shock when arriving and the University of Missouri.
“I was talking about the new gangster rap that’s out, and my roommate was talking about country,” said Jones.
Dr. Jones remembers specific racial incidents that happened, including having cotton thrown at him while on a “black float” at the homecoming parade.
“It is because of incidents like this that I am not surprised with what is happening at Missouri,” said Jones.
“I wouldn’t say the racism has gotten worse, but the generation today with the use of technology shines a light.”
Contrary to some students, Jones believes no uprising will occur at URI.
“New England is a very different culture,” said Jones. “The racism isn’t overt and you don’t see people driving around with confederate flags attached to their cars or tattooed on their bodies.”
On top of this, Jones has worked for the University of Rhode Island for 3 years now and has seen a “push from the president.”
“I’ve seen hiring for the director of diversity and faculty and recruitment,” said Jones.
There has always been controversy over racism and the way that it is handled. Time will reveal how the movement spreads and if it makes its way to the University of Rhode Island.