Melissa Click, the University of Missouri assistant professor who tried to interfere with journalists attempting to document what was happening during recent protests at the school, has apologized and resigned her courtesy appointment to the School of Journalism.
Click’s statement, as printed in the Missourian, read in part, “I regret the language and strategies I used, and sincerely apologize to the MU campus community, and journalists at large, for my behavior, and also for the way my actions have shifted attention away from the students’ campaign for justice.”
A courtesy appointment allows members of one academic unit to serve on graduate committees for students from other academic units. Click teaches mass media in the Communication Department. The School of Journalism is a separate entity.
Advertisement
The Huffington Post reports, Click canceled classes on Tuesday after getting both rape and death threats.
Here’s the statement the university tweeted out:
Yesterday was an historic day at MU — full of emotion and confusion. I have reviewed and reflected upon the video of me that is circulating, and have written this statement to offer both apology and context for my actions. I have reached out to the journalists involved to offer my sincere apologies and to express regret over my actions. I regret the language and strategies I used, and sincerely apologize to the MU campus community, and journalists at large, for my behavior, and also for the way my actions have shifted attention away from the students’ campaign for justice.
From this experience I have learned about humanity and humility. When I apologized to one of the reporters in a phone call this afternoon, he accepted my apology. I believe he is doing a difficult job, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with him. His dignity also speaks well to the Journalism program at MU. Again, I wish to express my sincere apology for my actions on Carnahan Quad yesterday.
Statement Regarding Carnahan Quad Protests pic.twitter.com/172fY7wUIy
— MU Comm Department (@MizzouComm) November 10, 2015