The University of Missouri’s Black student government organization is being accused of discrimination for including the word “Black” in an event name.
According to St. Louis Public Radio, the Legion of Black Collegians (LBC) met with University of Missouri officials on Thursday after the school canceled the group’s Black 2 Class Block Party. MU administrators said the event name suggested exclusion based on race, but LBC leaders believe the cancellation reflects a deeper issue.
LBC President Amaya Morgan said the group offered to rename the event “Back 2 Class Block Party,” but the university declined. “For you to cancel it and not offer any other solutions when we are offering to comply with your standards is what makes people more upset,” Morgan said.
The cancellation follows similar disputes. Last year, the university required LBC to rename its long-standing “Welcome Black BBQ” to “Welcome Black and Gold BBQ.” LBC chose not to participate this year.
The university defended its decision in a statement, saying, “When holding events using university facilities, student organizations must avoid excluding individuals based on race. The event had already been promoted with a name that suggested such exclusivity.”
Morgan said the meeting with administrators, including UM System President Mun Choi, also addressed racial harassment concerns.
“Coming off the 2024-2025 school year, plenty of people have been called the N-word, myself included,” Morgan said.
Despite disagreements, Morgan emphasized the organization’s mission.
“It is literally in our constitution that we are open to all types of identities,” she said. “People still deserve to have a home and a safe space.”
