Diversity and inclusion training will soon be mandatory for all incoming students, faculty and staff at the University of Missouri. Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin said the training has been planned for several months.
MU Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin
“Racism exists at Mizzou. It’s not everyone. It’s not necessarily even overt sometimes, but it’s there and we have to deal with it,” said Loftin. “We can’t afford to waste any individual no matter where they come from, what their background might be. We need their intellectual and their physical capabilities to advance our nation and our world.”
The requirement applies to all incoming students starting in January, and all faculty and staff as soon as the program is ready. Students will be ineligible to enroll in classes without successfully completing the training.
It will include discussions on race, gender identity, gender expression, religious discrimination and other topics. MU students already have mandatory sexual assault training, as of this fall.
As part of the diversity initiative, a national search is underway by Mizzou for a newly-created position, Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. Mizzou will also ask students, faculty and staff to participate in a survey related to racial issues on campus.
University Police removed a student from campus earlier this week, after he allegedly yelled racial slurs at a group of black students practicing a Homecoming skit.
Brad Tregnago, KSSZ, contributed to this story.
