June 12, 2020
Contact: Christian Basi, 573-882-4430, BasiC@missouri.edu
University of Missouri System President and interim MU Chancellor Mun Choi, three University of Missouri curators, and university administrators met Thursday, June 11, with leaders of the Legion of Black Collegians as well as Roman Leapheart, a student who circulated a petition to remove the Thomas Jefferson statue at Mizzou.
“The conversation was an example of the power of civil discourse and included discussion of complex issues and different perspectives,” Choi said. “After further discussion with other curators, the university decided not to remove the Jefferson statue. We learn from history. We contextualize historical figures with complex legacies. We don’t remove history.
“We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication, including continuing conversations and learning from all involved.”
Choi recommended that university faculty and students explore how MU can contextualize this historical figure.
