Review of the Missouri Football team strike

Late last year the University of Missouri football team played an integral role in the ousting of University President Tim Wolfe, and Chancellor Bowen Loftin. The reason cited was the continual mishandling of racist incidents on the campus. The team led a hunger strike, refusing to eat until Wolfe was gone from the university. It directly led to the resignation of Wolfe. The immediate takeaway is just how powerful athletic organizations can be. They can really make a difference.
               Some members of the media were concerned with the team’s flex of power and influence, viewing it as a potential cause for concern. I see it as a positive. The effects that the racial climate at the University is one that left black students feeling excluded and openly persecuted. 74% of students are white, while 7% black. 84% of the football team is African American. Black students repeatedly voiced concern about the systematic oppression they faced daily at the school and nothing was done about it. As multiple racist actions and behavioral trends continued to occur by white people attending the university, the cry for action got louder. By refusing to stand strong in support of African American student’s struggles, and neglecting to perform any meaningful programs or consequences, Tim Wolfe essentially fueled the problem. By failing to act, the University essentially sent the message that what was happening wasn’t that serious of an issue, and that change wasn’t really necessary.

               The power the football team exercised shows the positive influence sports can and should have in our society. Ignorance is deep rooted and far reaching, and needs to be addressed. I think that often times sports teams tend to get lost in their own culture and bubble. By taking an interest in a very real and serious problem on campus, the Missouri football team set an excellent example that should be followed.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/09/striking-mizzou-football-team-wants-president-out-over-wave-of-racism.html