“White Boy Speak” from University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe — How to Read Confederate Code

09 November 2015

White Boy Speak in Missouri

Some stout-hearted young people are trying to purge the 21^st Century of Missouri’s 1862 mentality:

With the backing of their head coach, football players at Missouri are threatening to stop participating in any football activities until the president of the university system is fired or resigns.

The players’ action stems from troubling racial incidents on the Columbia, Mo., campus . . . .

Late Sunday afternoon, [University President Tim] Wolfe issued a statement saying there would be change, but not in the president’s office.

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. 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 open to 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. We will share next steps as soon as they are confirmed.

In the meantime, I am dedicated to ongoing dialogue to address these very complex, societal issues as they affect our campus community.

Tim Wolfe’s Confederate code — translated

“We God-enthroned white folk are examining the problem and we’ll get back to you — when it suits us, Darkie — with another extension of the centuries old status quo.”

The excuse-eliminating context of Wolfe’s comments

It is not as if Missouri authorities have not known for a long time that the state’s got a bigotry problem. This university tumult comes long after the Ferguson police shooting of Michael Brown on 09 August 2014 and everything that happened afterward.

Therefore today, when a high-ranking administrator like Tim Wolfe trots out the tired “we’ll study the problem” excuse, you can reasonably hypothesize that the guy is a bigot or an airhead masquerading as someone competent:

Wolfe has come under fire for how he handled multiple recent racial controversies and incidents on campus, including an altercation involving the Missouri Students Association president Payton Head, who said he was racially abused while walking around the school.

The university chancellor didn't address the incident for nearly a week, despite student protests, according to ESPN.

The moral? — The student revolt against oppressive treatment is heartening

I was pleased to read a few minutes ago that the protest may be gaining momentum:

Graduate students called for a walkout on Monday as protests demanding the University of Missouri president's ouster over racial insensitivity gained steam.

The University of Missouri's Graduate Professional Council quickly backed the walkout, urging students to participate in protests and solidarity events.

Missouri's history department also expressed support, saying that students who walk out won't be sanctioned.

"The department of history understands the way in which institutionalized racism and other forms of social oppression have shaped and affected our society," it said in a statement. "We therefore support our students' efforts to address these problems."

PeteFree.com

“White Boy Speak” from University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe — How to Read Confederate Code