Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) believes race and discrimination issues haven’t been enough of a priority to the University of Missouri.

She spoke to CNN prior to University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe announcing his resignation Monday.  Hours later Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin said he would year transition to director for research facility development at the university. Their decisions follow protests by students and faculty about the handling of recent anti-black and Jewish incidents on campus.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri)

Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri)

“I want to say how proud I am of the young people on that campus that have decided they are going to make a stand,” said McCaskill. “I’m proud of our football team, frankly. This is the same football team where Michael Sam came from, one of the first athletes to go through the NFL draft as openly gay. So, I really believe that good things are going to come from this because of the passion and commitment of these young people.”

Several students camped out last week at the university demanding Wolfe’s removal. Mizzou football players said Saturday they would boycotting team practice and games until Wolfe resigns. A group representing African American students on campus, ConcernedStudent1950, demanded that Wolfe be removed and comprehensive racial awareness and inclusion curriculum be developed.

Rep. Steve Cookson (R-Butler County) and Rep. Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) also called for Wolfe’s resignation.

McCaskill said the hard work and healing process can begin.

“We’re going to see some changes that I hope will allow us to go forward and fix this issue, at least do a much better job than we have done,” said McCaskill.

Last month, someone drew a swastika on a campus bathroom wall in feces and a student was also removed from campus for allegedly yelling racial slurs to a group of black students.