By Anthony Gagliardi ’16

In today’s world, it is interesting to observe just how strong of a grip money has in our society. No matter where you turn, its presence is noticeable.

Once again, this good old nation of freedom and prosperity has its eyes and ears tuned on a racially charged incident, this time setting its roots in the main campus of the University of Missouri. The predominantly white college has been known for its controversial racial outbreaks, but people are finally using their voices, speaking out against what they believe is unjust.

Due to its recent spotlight in the media, it might come as a surprise to most people that these student-based protests have been occurring for more than three weeks. Throughout that time, students, labeling themselves on social media as #ConcernedStudent1950, have picketed and protested for action to be taken on the racial controversies that have been damaging the school’s reputation for quite some time. In order for their voices to be heard by the administration, students have gathered on the main quad, pitching up tents and even joining in on a hunger strike.

Why did it take an entire three weeks in order for this story to gain coverage? Sadly, it was because money peeked its pestering nose into the mix. Mizzou’s football players announced on Oct. 7 that they would boycott all practices and games until residing campus president, Tim Wolfe, resigned or was removed from office. With the popular, money-making football team backing the protesters’ cause, the university immediately began gaining attention. Prompt action was taken by the school’s administration and two days later, President Wolfe announced his resignation and Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin stepped down, stating that he would transition to a new role advancing research starting January 1st.

I applaud the efforts and determination from the student body to bring attention to the administration’s ongoing apathy regarding the racial outbreaks, but it is bothersome that no initiative was taken prior to the football team’s participation in the protests. I feel as if the University of Missouri was waiting for these protests to blow over, rather than joining the real fight against discrimination and racism on the campus. The idea of losing money is what truly pressured the administration to step in and to end the strikes once and for all.

Great leaders do not turn their backs on the cry of injustice. It is important for the people highest up in the chain to be leading by example, rather than by brushing uncomfortable issues aside to avoid unwanted attention. It is truly unfortunate that it took such a trivial reason for the administration to finally respond to an issue that had persistent advocates.