News Archive
2013
May
- Column: LGBTQ pride at MU is a true inspiration

The summer before I moved here to start my freshman year, I did a Google search to find out if Columbia was a gay-friendly city. Coming from Nebraska, the “we bleed red” ideology can apply both to our passion for our football team and to the deep Republican roots of our state. - GUEST COMMENTARY: We need more Arvarh Stricklands

When I heard of Arvarh Strickland's death, my heart jumped, not at his death, but at his mission. - MU’s First African-American Professor Passes Away

Arvarh Strickland, the University of Missouri’s first tenured African-American professor, has passed away. Strickland began his career at MU in 1969.
April
- 'Angels in America' runs at Rhynsburger Theatre until Sunday

An angel, a Valium-addicted Mormon and a big shot New York lawyer crippled with AIDS: audience members experienced it all the MU Theatre Department’s performance of "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches," which ran from April 25 - 27 and continues May 2 - 5. - Schools, colleges explain how they address diversity enhancement, cultural awareness

MU's schools and colleges released statements detailing their diversity enhancement programs and policies specific to their fields at the request of Faculty Council. - Student, staff and faculty member awarded for international engagement

The International Center gives the award hoping to encourage more international involvement within the MU community, said Elizabeth Miller, international communications coordinator for the Office of the Vice Provost of International Programs. - In a first, black voter turnout rate passes whites

America's blacks voted at a higher rate than other minority groups in 2012 and by most measures surpassed the white turnout for the first time, reflecting a deeply polarized presidential election in which blacks strongly supported Barack Obama while many whites stayed home. - New LBC officers inducted

The Legion of Black Collegians formally inducted next year’s executive board members Wednesday. - LGBTQ Resource Center holds Pride Parade

This year’s parade marks the second Pride Parade hosted by the LGBTQ Resource Center. The parade began at noon and lasted about 50 minutes - Locals fight Boy Scouts' exclusion of gay members

"It hurts my heart to think of any young person feeling that they will be asked to leave the Boy Scouts if they discover that they are gay and choose be open about that," Birk said. "At a time when bullying is so prevalent and destructive, I cannot believe that the BSA (Boy Scouts Association) has continued to openly bully young boys in this way." - Children and Teens with Autism More Likely to Become Preoccupied with Video Games, MU Researcher Says

Children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) use screen-based media, such as television and video games, more often than their typically developing peers and are more likely to develop problematic video game habits, a University of Missouri researcher found. - LBC Black Love Week focuses on self-love

The Legion of Black Collegians started its annual Black Love Week on Sunday and has events planned for each day of the week. The theme of the week is "Black Love is Self Love," an idea Activities Chairman Jeffery Perkins said he came up with. - TriCo, LGBTQ Resource Center host Let's Get Loud Drag Show

The Triangle Coalition and the LGBTQ Resource Center held a “Let’s Get Loud Drag Show” on Friday night at Mark Twain Ballroom to celebrate Pride Month. - Drug Could Improve Working Memory of People with Autism, MU Study Finds

People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have trouble communicating and interacting with others because they process language, facial expressions and social cues differently. - Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi visits MU, speaks to student and faculty crowd

Gandhi, an award-winning biographer, journalist and peace builder, is a research professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he works in the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, according to his website. - Veterans tuition bill approved by Missouri House

A bill passed in the Missouri House of Representatives on Thursday would grant military members instant in-state residency status for tuition in state colleges and universities. - Hari Kondabolu explores diversity in comedy show

The South Asian Student Association hosted a stand-up show featuring comedian and writer Hari Kondabolu on Monday. MU’s own Comedy Wars improv troupe opened the free show at Bengal Lair. - MU Celebrates Asian American Awareness Month in April

2013 Asian American Awareness Month features performances by comedian Hari Kondabolu, the Hereandnow Theatre Company, and MU students along with several formal dances, a talk by guest speaker Hoan Do and an Asian Street Market. - AAA hosts Asian American Awareness Month

In prior years, only a week was dedicated to Asian American Awareness Month, but this year, 14 events throughout April will be dedicated to educating students and creating a community for Asian-American students. - TriCo, Fluidity co-host 'This is How We Do Gender'

Four panelists discussed how they experience and perform gender in different ways in their lives during the "This is How We Do Gender" event on Wednesday. - LBC executive board nominees debate

Nominees for the Legion of Black Collegians executive board debated on Wednesday in the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center. They discussed their platforms and answered questions from current executive board members and general body members. - MU alumni showcase works at Life and Literature Performance Series

For her solo performance, MU alumna Sharrell Luckett relied on her personal experience losing 100 pounds and the relationship between race and body image. - LGBTQ Pride Month features speaker Andrea Gibson

The LGBTQ Resource Center’s Pride Month activities begin Wednesday with a Safe Space training session, a Triangle Coalition talk and the movie “Bully,” presented by the Missouri Students Association. - Sen. McCaskill endorses same-sex marriage

Two days before the U.S. Supreme Court heard the first of two same-sex marriage cases, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., quietly endorsed same-sex marriage in a post on her Tumblr blog. “I have come to the conclusion that our government should not limit the right to marry based on who you love,” McCaskill wrote in a post on March 24.
March
- Column: Legalized discrimination holds trans community back

Just more than 500 miles away in the city of Columbus, Ohio, Savanna Delong just won the city’s first-ever transgender discrimination case. - Ceremony honors outstanding women

The Tribute to MU Women event was held in Stotler Lounge on Thursday, and five MU women were honored. - HALO, LGPN host presentation about stereotypes of Latina women

The Latino/a Graduate Professional Network and MU Hispanic American Leadership Organization sponsored a presentation discussing stereotypes of Latinas in society Wednesday as a part of HALO Week. - Column: Ciao for now: Making Columbia your study abroad destination

Studying abroad is a wonderful experience, and I highly suggest everyone with the opportunity to go to a foreign country for a semester or a month seize it. You get to be a part of a city, not just a tourist. - MU recognizes contributions to diversity

Officials from the University of Missouri Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative have awarded two MU students, two faculty members and a group of doctors with the 2013 Inclusive Excellence Award. - Columbia's Russian community celebrates Maslenitsa, the major holiday you've never heard of

“You just celebrate the coming of the spring,” says Marat Musin, an MU graduate student from Moscow who attended the event last year. - EXPERT COMMENT: New Pope Will Influence World, Not Just Catholics, says MU Researcher

The conclave of cardinals named Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as the new Catholic pope. - International Gender Difference in Math and Reading Scores Persists Regardless of Nations’ Gender Equality Levels, says MU Psychologist

However, even in countries with high gender equality, sex differences in math and reading scores persisted in the 75 nations examined by a University of Missouri and University of Leeds study. - Poet at hand: MU doctoral student weaves jazz into literature

Monica Hand had a perfectly good career and loved living in New York City. So what possessed her to leave an impressive position at the U.S. Postal Service to start over with a writing career at an age when most people are planning for retirement? - Mizzou Stand for Freedom stands for 27 hours to protest human trafficking

Students on campus stood in Speakers Circle from noon Thursday to 3 p.m. Friday to join a nationwide protest of human trafficking. - MU to Host Celebration of African-American Poet’s Work with Jazz, Poetry Readings and Discussions

The faculty of the University of Missouri Department of English invites the public to a celebration and discussion of the life and work of poet Michael S. Harper. - Month-long events to celebrate Women's History

"Women inspiring innovation through imagination" is the national theme of Women’s History Month, which emphasizes celebrating women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The MU Women’s Center and the campus-wide Women’s History Month Committee have planned a record 26 different events. - Women’s Contributions to Astronomy to be Discussed at MU’s “Cosmic Conversations”

Many comets, nebulae, stars, and galaxies were discovered by women, but those women’s contributions are often overlooked. - International Aid and Advocacy Groups are Influenced by Their Home Countries’ Cultures, Says MU Researcher

In February, Greenpeace activist and actress Lucy Lawless, star of “Xena: Warrior Princess,” was sentenced to 120 hours of community service for boarding a Shell oil rig to protest offshore Arctic drilling. - TriCo membership numbers growing since last semester

Triangle Coalition’s membership has increased significantly this year in comparison to last year. - BPC hosts Mocktail Hour at Reynolds Alumni Center

The MSA/GPC Black Programming Committee hosted its opening third Thursday event of the semester, "Mocktail Hour: An Evening of Jazz and Drink" at the Reynolds Alumni Center on Thursday evening.
February
- MU Recognizes Contributions to Diversity

Officials from the University of Missouri Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative have awarded two MU students, two faculty members and a group of doctors with the 2013 Inclusive Excellence Award. The award is given to individuals or groups who have made contributions to any area of diversity such as gender, racial-ethnic background, language, religious belief, sexual orientation, disabilities and economic strata. - Mr. and Miss African Diaspora Contest hosted Saturday

Jaanna Anaemereibe and Damilola Emuze were crowned Mr. and Miss African Diaspora on Saturday in the Mr. and Miss African Diaspora Contest hosted by the African Students Association. - Columbia Parks and Recreation coordinates panel discussion

As part of Black History Month events, the Columbia Parks and Recreation coordinated a panel discussion "Where Do We Go From Here?" Tuesday night. The panel of seven community members discussed the current state of the nation and what will come of the Obama administration and other politicians in the next four years. - One Mizzou in Vietnam

Four Mizzou grads serendipitously connect halfway around the world. - More Sinkings: Second annual cardboard boat race to benefit the Food Bank

The second annual Float Your Boat for the Food Bank will occur April 20 at Bass Pro Shops lake in Columbia. The fundraiser is sponsored by the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri and The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. - MU guide noting pagan, Wiccan holidays draws attention; Fox News report cited as misleading.

A Fox News story about the University of Missouri's inclusion of pagan and Wiccan holidays on guidelines for dealing with religious observances was sensationalized and inaccurate, an MU spokeswoman said. - MU SASHA, CDI sponsor discussion on secularism

Members of MU Skeptics, Atheists, Secular Humanists and Agnostics discuss their personal experiences as atheists or agnostics at the "My Book, Your Book, Their Book, No Book — Exploring Secularism" event Wednesday night. MU SASHA partnered with the Chancellor's Diversity Initiative for the event to raise awareness and break negative stigmas surrounding secular beliefs. - Generation First: Senior Ashlee Reece is on a mission to help other first-generation MU students

Ashlee Reece, a senior communication major, founded Fundamental Firsts, a student organization for other first-generation or nontraditional college students that helps them navigate paying for their education and graduating from college. - Hear Them Roar: Black women leaders lead the way for others at MU

Akia Parks can’t count the number of times she’s been one of a handful of black students sitting in a class. If the professor tells them to break into groups, she’s usually the only black person in her group. - Initiating a Brotherhood: Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative to graduate first class

In 2009, Nathan Stephens, former senior coordinator of the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, and graduate assistant Marcus Mayes formed the Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative to retain and help persist black men all the way through graduation. - Ellis Library displays 'Songs of My People' exhibit for Black History Month

Nine photographs from the world-renowned “Songs of My People” exhibit are on display in Ellis Library in honor of Black History Month. The exhibit, which includes work by more than 50 black photojournalists from the early 1990s, is the first exhibition in history to feature the lives of African-Americans in photographs. - Youths with Autism Spectrum Disorder Need Help Transitioning to Adult Health Care, Says MU Expert

A University of Missouri researcher recommends that the medical community develop HCT services for individuals with ASD as a way to ensure consistent and coordinated care and increase their independence and quality of life. - Dr. Tillet's 'One Read' lecture marks start of Black History Month at MU

Dr. Salamishah Tillet, assistant professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania, spoke about her book "Sites of Slavery: Citizenship and Racial Democracy in the Post-Civil Rights Imagination" on Friday night to mark the beginning of Black History Month events at MU. - MSO focused on increasing member engagement

For the Muslim Student Organization, increasing member engagement through weekly events is the main priority, President Farah El-Jayyousi said. "We want to spread awareness about what Islam is all about," MSO spokesman Alhussain Yusuf said. - International Welcome Party invites crowd to travel around the world

The annual International Welcome Party was held Saturday night at the Student Center. It featured many booths from different countries and cultures. - Peaceful Battle: A documentary by MU faculty and staff tell the story of Columbia civil rights leader Eliot Battle

Eliot Battle knows Columbia’s transition from a largely segregated town to a desegregated one was not always smooth. - LBC hosts first meeting of semester

The Legion of Black Collegians is starting off the semester with two events this month. The LBC Freshman Action Team is hosting its annual speed dating Feb. 12, FAT chairwoman Marnae Chavers said. - Step Up! attracts new members at first meeting

Step Up! Mizzou met for its first meeting of the semester Tuesday night to discuss the organization’s plans for the upcoming semester and to inform new and potential members about the organization’s mission and how to become involved. - MU Wheelchair Basketball Coach to Lead U.S. National Team

Just months after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games ended, preparations for the 2016 games in Rio, Brazil began. Recently, the National Wheelchair Basketball Association announced that the University of Missouri wheelchair basketball head coach, Ron Lykins, will coach the United States men’s wheelchair basketball team for the 2016 Paralympic games. Lykins will look to improve on the U.S. team’s third-place finish in the 2012 Paralympics in London. - Setting the wheels in motion: MU takes on KY while coach preps for Paralympic Games

The MU-KU rivalry might have ended for some Mizzou sports, but for the Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball Team, the rivalry is fresh. These MU student athletes take on Kansas Wheelhawks Feb. 10 in Lawrence, rebounding from a four-game intercollegiate tournament held in Columbia Jan. 25. - Women's Center hosts marital naming practices discussion

At lunchtime on Tuesday, about thirty MU students gathered in the Women’s Center for an event called, “What’s in the Name?” The event covered the issue of marital naming practices and its effects on women, both historically and contemporarily. - Pushing Buttons: Mizzou rewards civility

Through surprise acknowledgements for random acts of kindness, MU’s Yellow Button Project encourages caring behavior. It’s a fun project. Experiencing the kindness of a stranger or a colleague is pretty sweet, no matter where it happens and even if it’s a bit silly. - MU ArtCORE International Poetry Slam promotes diversity

ArtCORE is a program through the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative that aims to explore diversity through the arts. An event at The Shack showcased spoken word and literature through poetry Friday. - Central Missouri RPCV hosts Third Goal Film Festival

The Central Missouri Returned Peace Corps Volunteers hosted the Third Goal International Film Festival on Saturday in Chamber Auditorium. The festival featured five films that either impacted Peace Corps volunteers or highlighted issues in host countries. - Feminist Student Union holds reproductive justice discussion

The Feminist Student Union held a discussion about reproductive and environmental justice Monday in the Women’s Center. - MU Celebrates Black History Month 2013

The University of Missouri celebrates 2013 Black History Month with lectures, workshops, exhibits, and performances. - Nursing with Open Hands: Alumna trains in midwifery in Guatemala.

“In the U.S., our system is so medicalized, but our infant mortality rate is 50th in the world. I realized I didn’t want to learn on the medical model. I wanted to learn how people in less developed places do it.” - Adding to Black History: MU professor paints complex picture of slave trade.

In his paper titled “Enslavement and Consumption in Angola during the Nineteenth Century,” Domingues uses these databases as well as customs records and slave registers to show that most slaves leaving West Central Africa in the 19th century were coming from places closer to the coast than scholars had previously thought.
January
- MU receives Martin Luther King Jr. replica statue from alumnus

A crowd of suit-clad administrators gathered in Ellis Library on Tuesday afternoon attracted the attention of students relaxing in the Bookmark Cafe. - CAI celebrates India’s Republic Day

The Cultural Association of India celebrated the 64th annual Republic Day to honor the anniversary of India’s independence on Jan. 26. - MU Museum of Art and Archaeology adds Korean artwork

Director Alex Barker said the three works will deepen students' understanding of Korean culture. - Queer Spring Fling raises awareness

All were welcome in the LGBTQ Resource Center for the fifth annual Queer Spring Fling on Wednesday night. - Facebook Activity Reveals Clues to Mental Illness, says MU Researcher

Facebook activity provided a window into the psychological health of participants in a study at the University of Missouri. Social media profiles could eventually be used as tools for psychologists and therapists, according to study leader Elizabeth Martin, doctoral student in MU’s psychological science department in the College of Arts and Science. - MU volunteers provide medical care in Ghana and Panama

Traveling thousands of miles to third-world countries requires preparation, especially when the goal is to provide medical care. Students with the MU chapter of Global Medical Brigades will need to learn new languages, practice basic medical skills and raise money to buy medicine for the trip. - Candelight walk, memorial service honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

When Robert Cheatum went to pick up his 10-year-old son Miles from his ex-wife's home Monday night, he did not expect Miles to get into the car with a homemade sign. The sign, made of cardboard with a duct tape handle, had hand-written messages such as, "for freedom we shall overcome" and "in MLK we trust." - Xernona Clayton shares stories about friend Martin Luther King Jr.

Xernona Clayton looked out on a packed ballroom and said her friend Martin Luther King Jr. would have been pleased. “If he were here, he’d be happy, seeing blacks and whites today, going to school together, learning together,” Clayton said, gesturing toward the diverse crowd. - Residents reminisce about Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy at community breakfast

Desmon Turner sat at a circular table at the entryway of St. Luke United Methodist Church with other members of the Mizzou Black Men's Initiative, his eyes lighting up as he greeted people at the annual Poor People's Breakfast. - Members of MU Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative attend presidential inauguration

Fourteen members of the MU Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative, an on-campus group that promotes the success and diversity of students, faculty and staff, will attend President Obama’s Inauguration Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on January 21. - Inspired by mission trip to Africa, MU student starts her own business

One of Christen Edmonds' fondest memories is returning to Swaziland on a mission trip in July 2011 to find that village kids still knew her name. "They remembered me when I came back," Edmonds said. "When I got there, all the kids were like, 'Christen!' and I was so overwhelmed." - MU Brings Former Judge, TV Personality and Juvenile Justice Expert to Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Event

The University of Missouri will celebrate the legacy of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. with a lecture by TV personality Judge Glenda Hatchett. Hatchett will present “Dare to Take Charge: How to Live and Lead with Purpose”. The lecture will discuss issues of personal development and leadership. - Recognizing Psychological Common Ground Could Ease Tensions Among Those with Different Religious Beliefs, says MU Psychologist

Understanding how thoughts of mortality influence individuals’ beliefs sheds light on the commonalities among different groups’ motivations and could help ease tensions between opposing viewpoints, according to University of Missouri experiments that tested the relationship between awareness of death and belief in a higher power. - Mental health issue afflict individuals in LGBTQ community

When he was 16, Halen Boykin-Rudolph worked out three hours and ran 10 miles a day. - Paintings at Campus Lutheran illustrate season of Epiphany

The Christian season of the Epiphany begins this Sunday and is apparent at a local church. - MU Interactive Theatre Troupe brings topics of health and body image to stage in interactive performance

MU professors and students have developed an interactive play encouraging audience members to discuss issues about appearance.
2012
December
- Film studies professor published two books in December 2012

Hearne studies cinematic representations of indegenous people, often focusing on Native Americans. - Cooks in the Kitchen teaches people with disabilities independent living skills

Mark Ohrenberg has made it his goal to help people with disabilities the way others have helped him throughout his life. - Students celebrate Hanukkah with 9-foot tall menorah lighting

Students packed the MU Student Center on Monday evening, most studying and preparing for their final exams. Some, however, were there for a different reason — to celebrate Hanukkah. - Decmeber 9-16 marks the Jewish festival of lights: Hanukkah 2012

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, and lasts for eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom. - LGTBQ Center sponsors 'I Hate the Holidays' discussion

Called “I Hate the Holidays: Why Sometimes This Isn’t the Best Time of the Year,” the event, which took place in the LGBTQ Resource Center, was held to highlight the reasons why the holidays can be unpleasant for many students and provide students who experience holiday-related difficulties with possible coping strategies. - You in Mizzou' engages students, faculty in discussions about diversity

A group of nearly 20 people sat in a circle and introduced themselves and where they were from. - Against the Odds: The First black graduate student from MU's law school, Michael Middleton continues to make university history as deputy chancellor

Michael Middleton used to dodge whizzing beer bottles and hear people yell, “Go home, nigger,” as he walked the streets of Columbia. “But that still wasn’t as bad as being kidnapped or lynched, which was what was happening in Mississippi while I was growing up,” Middleton says. - Recent MU incidents spark 'victim blaming' and some worry

First, there was the "bear hug" incident and the jokes that suggested that the woman who'd reported it obviously didn't know what a real crime was. - Douglass High to hold annual City Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday

The annual City Kwanzaa Celebration, sponsored by the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Douglass High School. - LBC Freshman Action Team plans for next semester

The Legion of Black Collegians’ Freshman Action Team is already planning activities for next semester. Harrison said one of her goals is for the team to reach out to other students, not just African-American students. The team is open to all students, regardless of race. - HIV victims’ memorial service held in McQuinn Atrium

The MU Bond Life Sciences Center partnered with Missouri Rain, an HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease prevention and education organization, to commemorate World AIDS Day with a memorial service Monday. - Expert Discusses Employment Challenges Facing Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Scott Standifer, a University of Missouri researcher, studies employment issues affecting adults with autism.
November
- MU to host World AIDS Day events

In commemoration of victims of the disease and World AIDS Day, four panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt will hang in the atrium of the Bond Life Sciences Center until Wednesday. - Title IX gives universities greater latitude to punish students accused of sexual assault

Recent changes in the interpretation of Title IX have prompted universities to take more aggressive action against students accused of sexual harassment or sexual assault. - Students spend Thanksgiving aboard the USS Boxer

Thirteen 25-pound turkeys, 100 pounds of ham, 180 pounds of prime rib and more than 20 kinds of dessert made up the holiday meal that took place aboard the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy. - National trend of increasing international student enrollment seen at MU

The number of international undergraduates also outnumbered international graduate students for the first time in 12 years. - MU student embraces Cherokee heritage

Willow Hoxie, like many other MU freshmen, is enrolled in an American history course. Being a member of the Cherokee Nation, however, gives her a unique perspective on the country's past. - Voluntary Action Center needs 22 more sponsors for Christmas program

The Voluntary Action Center still needs 22 sponsors for the annual Christmas program on the eve of the Tuesday deadline. - Blind Boone Home to begin next phase of restoration

A donation from the John William Boone Heritage Foundation for a landscaping project at the J.W. Blind Boone Residence could be a catalyst to raise money for further work at the historic home in downtown Columbia. - Congress sees diversity in new members

For the first time, more than half of House Democrats — 105, in this case — will not be white males. - Despite decline in numbers, southwest Missouri monks continue selling fruitcakes

Trappist monks in southwest Missouri say their holiday fruitcake business will continue to support their monastery despite the dwindling numbers of monks. - Everyone Eats Thanksgiving dinner served by Almeta Crayton, 60 volunteers

Last year, Eric Dover, Athena Metropoulos and their 2-year-old son, Christopher Dover, spent Thanksgiving Day at Denny's. - Holocaust survivor Irving Roth tells MU audience about experiences

Surviving the Holocaust left a permanent mark on Roth's life. While some would want to remove the identification number tattoo, Roth found a practical use for his Auschwitz number as a computer password. - LGBTQ students speak about sexual identities at OUTreach Panel

tudents on the OUTreach Panel at MU’s LGBTQ Resource Center on Wednesday discussed their experiences coming out.. The panel consisted of four students who talked to an audience of 15 to 20 people as part of One Mizzou Week. - Diwali Holiday (Festival of Lights): Nov. 13-17

Diwali, the Hindu "festival of lights" is an extremely popular holiday for multiple religions throughout Southern Asia. - Maya Angelou inspires students during One Mizzou Week

Monday night in the Missouri Theatre, a full house welcomed American author and poet Maya Angelou with a standing ovation. Angelou came as a guest speaker for MU’s first annual One Mizzou Week. - Students, faculty come together for discussion about diversity at MU

If you left college as the same person that you were when you arrived, you didn't do it right. That was the consensus from attendees at the diversiME discussion Tuesday at the MU Women's Center. The event was part of One Mizzou Week, a week of diversity programming at MU. - Cultural Bricolage Conference features work of Cuban artists

Located in Matanzas, Cuba, the publishing company Ediciones Vigía takes books, poems and essays and creates page and cover designs for them using natural materials. - One Mizzou Week facilitates diversity education

This week is a student-led initiative to educate students and other members of the MU community about the importance of diversity, Missouri Students Association President Xavier Billingsley said. - Call for Nominations: 2013 Inclusive Excellence Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2013 Inclusive Excellence Awards. MU students, faculty, and staff who have made contributions within the past two years to promoting a more diverse and inclusive campus are eligible for the award. - Celebrate One Mizzou Week: Nov. 11-16

The 2013 One Mizzou Week events include Maya Angelou lecture, Diwali celebration, lectures, music, workshops and more. - Emotional Disconnection Disorder Threatens Marriages, MU Researcher Says

Communication can be challenging for any married couple, but a personality trait called alexithymia that keeps people from sharing or even understanding their own emotions can further impede marital bliss. - Maya Angelou speaks as part of One Mizzou Week

Maya Angelou speaks to a sold-out crowd Monday at the Missouri Theatre. Angelou is a contemporary American author and poet, as well as actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director. She is known for her body of work that has challenged racial boundaries. - MU honors fallen veterans in National Roll Call project

At MU, the names of 140 veterans from Missouri who have died in service since Sep. 11, 2001, were read. The roll call took just under an hour. - Mizzou Veterans

Eight Mizzou Veterans talk about their lives before, during and after the military - Denver shares Navy SEAL experience with audience

Denver, a former Navy SEAL, spoke as a part of Veterans Week at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and stayed to talk with the audience until well after 10 p.m. His presentation primarily focused on training, teamwork and leadership. - Muslim Student Organization hosts Islam Awareness Week

The Muslim Student Organization is hosting Islam Awareness Week, with the theme of #IslamInMurica, beginning with a Taste of Islam on Tuesday and ending with Jump Rope with a Muslim on Friday. - Event educates students about trans community

Trans Awareness Week kicked off Nov. 5 in Memorial Union with Trans 101, a presentation about the basics of trans life hosted by LGBTQ Resource Center Coordinator Struby Struble. - Mizzou Veterans Week aims to honor and celebrate

MU's sixth annual Veterans Week started off Sunday with a bang — literally. - Virtual Reality Could Help People Lose Weight, Fight Prejudice, Says MU Researcher

Harnessing the power of the virtual world could lead to new forms of obesity treatment and help break down racial and sexual prejudices. - Services for Independent Living builds ramps for homes

A group of more than 100 people built 14 ramps for residents in need in Callaway, Audrain, Boone and Montgomery counties on Saturday as a part of the Ramp Up project, organized by Services for Independent Living. - Diversity Summit concludes with Mizzou Human Library Project

The library featured 14 different "books": actual people who came from various diverse backgrounds. All the "books" were volunteers who took interest in the project after Stanley sent an announcement over MU Info and various emails beforehand asking if anyone would be want to be a "book" for the library. The volunteers represented a good mix of students, faculty and staff, Stanley said. - In new Christian hymnal, poetry guides the page

Ask Craig Roberts to tell you about Christian hymns, and he’ll tell you a lot. You’ll learn that hymns are not music – they are poetry. - Change in Chinese Culture and Values Could Open Chinese Sports Market for U.S., says MU Researcher

urrently, China has a population of more than 1.3 billion people, and based on a new study from the University of Missouri, it appears that interest in American sports is growing in the country, which could open a large, untapped economic market for the U.S. - Civility efforts seek better behavior on campus

From the University of Missouri to Penn State and Vanderbilt, colleges across the country are treating the erosion of common decency as a public health epidemic on par with measles outbreaks and sexually transmitted diseases. - New face of diversity, Noor Azizan-Gardner leads the way for a multicultural Mizzou

We students, faculty and staff of Mizzou come from a variety of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. - MU Deputy Chancellor Names Azizan-Gardner as Chief Diversity Officer

Priorities of the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative include efforts to increase the diversity of faculty, staff and students and to promote a welcoming and inclusive campus climate. - Mental health tax could help counseling, prevention programs

The primary job of the outreach counselors in Columbia Public Schools is referring kids with depression, eating disorders and other serious mental health issues to appropriate services.
October
- ArtTalk: Exhibit, conference with Cuban artist Rolando Estevez Jordan at Bingham Gallery

Visiting Cuban artist Rolando Estévez Jordán exhibits handmade books and drawings in the Bingham Gallery - Multicultural Center celebrates 40th anniversary

Opened in 1972, the MCC originally focused on academic retention services and provided tutoring to students. In the 1990s its goals changed, and the office shifted to a program that was more oriented toward diverse cultures. - Mizzou Diversity Summit keynote speaker delves into dehumanization

The Mizzou Diversity Summit concluded its first day with keynote speaker David Livingstone Smith, who spoke about dehumanization. - David Livingstone Smith talks incivility at MizzouDiversity Summit

After a quick warning, graphic images of the Nanjing Massacre and the Rwanda genocide appeared on the projector screens facing more than 100 audience members sitting quietly in Stotler Lounge. - Hunger awareness tour visits MU

Hunger U brought its message to MU on Monday: The world has mouths to feed and advanced agriculture can help. - Kristin Veteto uses music to motivate students with disabilities

Music therapist Kristin Veteto smiled warmly at the boy sitting in front of her. - Documentary film, panel of advocates discuss discrimination against aging LBGT individuals

Ragtag Cinema held a special screening of "Generation Silent" on Monday. - University of Missouri’s Tiger Pantry reaches out to community in need

At MU, 15,000 students are on need-based financial aid, according to the Tiger Pantry website. More than 6,000 students qualify for Pell Grants. Twenty students self-report as homeless each semester. - Diversity Summit next week asks important questions about racism

he third bi-annual Mizzou Diversity Summit will take place Monday and Tuesday at Memorial Union. This year’s summit is called “Show Me Respect: Promoting Civility at the University of Missouri.” - Women remain minority on bike polo team

The women — who have played together since 2009 — are three of the five female members of CoMo Polo, Columbia's informal bike polo club that has 15 regular members. - Intersex Awareness Luncheon addresses gender binary issues

Students, faculty and staff gathered Friday in the LGBTQ Resource Center for the Intersex Awareness Luncheon, the concluding event of Coming Out Week. - Students discuss misconceptions of Islam with interfaith diversity event

A group of MU students noticed that certain religions were being misrepresented, and it didn’t seem like anyone was doing anything about it, so they took matters into their own hands. - Intersex Awareness Luncheon addresses gender binary issues

Students, faculty and staff gathered Friday in the LGBTQ Resource Center for the Intersex Awareness Luncheon, the concluding event of Coming Out Week. - Different ethnic remedies around the world

Columbians from around the world describe common ethnic remedies that might be the international cure for your next illness. - Man's guide to guide dogs and life: Blind Columbian author's memoir deals with his life and dogs

Peter Altschul will never see the book he wrote though he might touch it, smell it or hear it read out loud. Altschul was born blind for reasons that have never been understood. The 55-year-old Columbian self-published his memoir, Breaking Barriers, in March. - CoMo Girls Rock brings girl power to Columbia

The new program encourages women to shed gender stereotypes - Drum Major hopes to change perception of visually impaired

September 7, 2007, is a day I will never forget.That was the day I learned my life was going to change forever. I was 17 years old and leading a typical high school life in Carrollton, Missouri - Triangle Coalition hosts Black and Gold Drag Show

The Triangle Coalition and the LGBTQ Resource Center hosted the Black and Gold Drag Show on Wednesday night at The Shack. - Female Pulitzer Prize Winners Require Higher Qualifications, MU Study Finds

Gender disparity in journalism still exists, but is improving - Veterans memorial proposed under Memorial Union archway

The Alumni Association Student Board and the Missouri Students Association Secretary of Auxiliaries, Lauren Damico, have begun a joint initiative to install a physical memorial to be placed beneath the Memorial Union archway. - LGBTQ, ally students gather for 17th annual Pride Photo

Members of the LGBTQ and ally community gathered together on the steps of Jesse Hall for the 17th annual Pride Photo on Oct. 11 as part of Coming Out Week. - Black Men’s Initiative hosts fashion show, raises money for breast cancer awareness

The Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative hosted the “Model P!nk: Fashion for Ellis Fischel” event Thursday night at the Hampton Inn Suites. - Business college dean discusses ways to increase student, faculty diversity

One of Gabel’s responsibilities is to prepare her students to succeed in a global business world that is ethnically diverse. - Two Dominican women to open bilingual day care in Columbia

For over a year, Carolina Grullon and younger sister, Tania Johnson, searched for a home with a large enough basement to accommodate their ideal business. - Experiencing Poverty for a Day

Imagine life as an 11-year-old girl from a poor family. Your grandfather can’t work, so grandma keeps a job from which she should have long since retired - Professor challenges MU to do more to retain underrepresented minority students

John Matsui, director and founder of UC Berkeley’s Biology Scholars Program, told about 25 faculty and staff in the Bond Life Sciences Center that achieving racial, socioeconomic and gender diversity within STEM is not a cookie-cutter proposition. - Columbia pagans seek community connection

Some aspects of paganism have made their way into common American culture - Veterans Center helps former military personnel adjust to student life

Veterans are discovering an accommodating atmosphere at Mizzou, which was recently named a veteran-friendly university by the magazines G.I. Jobs: Your Guide to Post-Military Success and Military Times EDGE. - Students Conduct Hands-on Research

Before her freshman year at MU, Mariah McClain received an invitation to join Exposure to Research for Science Students (EXPRESS), a research program for freshmen and sophomores from ethnic groups often underrepresented in the sciences. - TLC’s Matt Roloff speaks for Celebrate Ability Week

An aura of positivity filled the air in Jesse Auditorium as Matt Roloff received a standing ovation from MU students and members of the Columbia community. - Amazonian Tribal Warfare Sheds Light on Modern Violence, Says MU Anthropologist

Developing a shared sense of global community could help reduce major episodes of violence - Queer People of Color joins LBC as umbrella organization

Senators and representatives from the Legion of Black Collegians umbrella organizations voted to accept Queer People of Color to LBC on Wednesday. - Tiger Pantry opens its doors

As the month of October began, so did Tiger Pantry, the Missouri Students Association’s newest auxiliary that will provide students, staff and faculty at MU with food assistance. - Celebrate Ability Week showcases abilities of students with disabilities

With one hand on a wheel and the other on the ball, MU Wheelchair Basketball player Ben Mayforth demonstrated how to dribble in wheelchair basketball at the sport's open house Monday. - MU civility campaign echoes others around the country

As director of MU Equity for the Chancellor's Diversity Initiative, Noel English has heard of plenty of uncivil acts on campus — sometimes with serious consequences as with sexual harassment and bullying cases. - Volunteers package meals for Kenyans at the Parkade Center

Four generations of one family gathered Sunday to help package food for dozens of families in Kenya.
September
- Korean Presbyterian congregation finds home, friendship with historical church

Like many churches, Pastor Hanjoo Park’s congregation begins its worship with song. It’s no different than many Christian church services in Columbia, except for one thing: it’s all in Korean. - Service and Study in Ghana

Fifteen University of Missouri students paired service with study this past summer when they participated in an international service project in Cape Coast, Ghana. - MU to Host "Celebrate Ability Week"

The University of Missouri will host its third annual “Celebrate Ability Week,” which began in 2010 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. - International Bazaar displays variety of cultures

Despite rainy weather, which resulted in a venue change from Lowry Mall, students and community members still experienced a variety of cultures at the International Bazaar on Tuesday at Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union. - Jen Wheeler, City of Refuge offers helping hand to refugees

A Burmese refugee, one of 259 who came to Columbia in the last five years, had reportedly been forced into slave labor before coming to the United States. - Out in a Small Town

TRINITY RAINEY DIDN'T REALIZE SHE WAS GAY. The high school senior had an idea that she might be, but she was shocked when her mother blatantly brought up her sexuality. “It’s OK,” her mom said. “You’re gay. You can come out.” - Featured Speaker Glenn Greenwald and Panelists to Discuss the Differential Treatment of Various Groups Under the U.S. Justice System

The University of Missouri School of Law will host a featured speaker, Glen Greenwald, a bestselling author of four books including “With Liberty and Justice for Some: How the Law Is Used to Destroy Equality and Protect the Powerful.” - 'Women in Islam' discusses role of women in the religion

The Women’s Center and the Muslim Student Organization sponsored an event called “Women in Islam” on Tuesday evening at the Women’s Center. - MU hosts talk on history of black Greek organizations

The image of the actor Pooch Hall from the movie "Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming" was projected on the screen. Rasheed Ali Cromwell asked the audience, "What is a black Greek?" - MSA makes Tiger Pantry an auxiliary

Tiger Pantry, an agent of the Central Missouri Food Bank, became the 10th auxiliary under the Missouri Students Association on Wednesday, joining the ranks of other auxiliaries such as STRIPES, KOMU and MUTV. - The colorful life of Micah Haynes, an MU senior with grapheme-color synesthesia

To Micah, numbers and letters are connected to colors, and they are interchangeable. - Children with Autism Experience Interrelated Health Issues, Says MU Expert

A new study by a University of Missouri researcher found that many children with ASD also experience anxiety, chronic gastrointestinal (GI) problems and atypical sensory responses, which are heightened reactions to light, sound or particular textures. - Korean bakery will open in downtown Columbia this month

Some of Helena Shih's most vivid childhood memories are the daily walks her family would take by the local bakery in Daegu, South Korea. - Members of Joplin mosque look to build stronger future

A little more than a month after the Islamic Society of Joplin mosque was destroyed by fire, the local Muslim community is moving forward with support from the interfaith community. - Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah runs through Tuesday Sept. 18

Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year as a day of rest and celebration with prayer in synagogue and festive meals. - Latin fraternity hopes to build MU community

Nine men dressed uniformly held each other for support as they marched into the Plaza 900 Amphitheater and introduced their brotherhood to the MU community on Saturday. - ANALYSIS: Missouri at center point of sexual politics

The scene that unfolded at the Missouri Capitol this past week revealed the pressures and pitfalls of sexual politics in the U.S. — and nowhere have they been more intense recently than in Missouri. - MU student group puts on quinceanera for five Columbia women

Five white cakes and five teenage Latina women packed MU’s Stotler Lounge on Saturday night. The girls wore sparkly dresses — some long and some short — and stilettos. Their hair was curled. - 'Body Talk' panel answers questions about sexual health

The panel included Sexual Health Advocate Peer Education President Hannah Keel, curriculum coordinator Heather Eastman-Mueller, member Megan Voss and primary care provider Julaine Stiers, a representative from the Student Health Center. - LGBTQ Resource Center hosts new show on KCOU

MU’s LGBTQ Resource Center introduced its new radio show “InsideOUT” on KCOU/88.1 FM this fall. - Heritage Festival in Nifong Park brings history to life

At this year's event, all of the buildings in the Village at Boone Junction will be inhabited by historical re-enactors from the Maplewood Barn Theatre players. - Coverage offers insights into origins of inflammatory film about Muhammad

The provocative, anti-Muslim film posted on YouTube under the titles “Innocence of Muslims,” “The Real Life of Muhammad” or “Muhammad Movie Trailer” presents Muhammad as a womanizer and a fraud and has been cited as contributing to protests and riots in the Middle East. - Tongue analysis in Chinese medicine may have backing of Western science

Stick out your tongue, but don’t say “ah.” Instead, note the color of your tongue. Your overall health may depend on it. - MU Supports Student-Veterans with Comprehensive Services

Nearly 600,000 veterans are heading from command centers to classrooms to complete their formal educations after finishing their military service. Named a veteran-friendly school by G.I. Jobs and Military Times EDGE magazines, the University of Missouri has welcomed hundreds of these American heroes on campus. - Gender-neutral housing discussion continues at MU

Residential Life is trying to gauge how much of a need MU’s student body has for gender-neutral housing and, in turn, the logistics of implementing the option. - Gender-neutral housing discussion continues at MU

While a coed residence hall is a familiar concept for the typical MU student, a coed room or suite is not. - Feminist Student Union creates video to address Rep. Todd Akin

FSU held a meeting to record a video message directed toward Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., questioning his comments about rape that have been subject to public scrutiny during the last few weeks. - International Welcome Party brings students together

With paintbrush in hand, freshman Kristie Vahle focused on the construction paper before her as members of the Taiwanese Student Association instructed her in the art of Chinese calligraphy. - Judge to hear suit over Missouri disturbing worship law

federal judge will hear arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit over Missouri's new law making it a crime to disturb a worship service. - MU Confucius Institute partners with Columbia Public Schools

The MU Confucius Institute formalized a new partnership with Columbia Public Schools at a ceremony in Memorial Union on Friday. - Columbia remembers 9/11 on Patriot Day

Tuesday is the 11th anniversary of September 11. Various events around Columbia will honor victims of the attack - Dignitary of Cao Dai to speak about young Vietnamese religion

— Joe Hobbs has been recruiting Vietnamese international students to come to Missouri since 2006, but none of MU's 70 Vietnamese students practice Cao Dai. - Natural hair is a growing trend among Columbia black women

Going natural is a developing movement among black women who want to abandon products with harsh chemicals. The trend has inspired support groups across the country, including one Hollis joined in Columbia. - Journalist Laura Ling speaks about experience as North Korea prisoner

Four and a half months of being held captive in North Korea taught journalist Laura Ling not to take her freedom for granted. - Teens Tell Different Tales About Themselves Depending on Gender, Says MU Researcher

During adolescence, the stories young people tell about themselves reflects their development of a personal identity and sense of self, and those autobiographical narratives vary depending on the teens’ gender, according to a University of Missouri psychologist and her colleagues. - Women’s and gender studies assistant professor leads ‘black feminism’ discussion

The Women’s Center held a discussion Tuesday about black feminism led by women’s and gender studies assistant professor Treva Lindsey. - Columbia midwife assists hundreds of births in Thailand

For the past eight years, the Missouri native has been living in Bangkok and working as a doula, someone who helps women during childbirth. - Two Columbia women knit sweaters for children around the world

The Christmas charity sends shoeboxes filled with small gifts to children in more than 130 countries, including the United States. In 2010, the program sent out 8 million shoeboxes.
August
- MSO gears up for new school year

The Muslim Student Organization held its welcome dinner Thursday to get to know new members and discuss upcoming events. - First MU African-American graduate student speaks to inspired audience

Gus T. Ridgel carries history with him, and not just because he is 86 years old. Ridgel was the first African-American to graduate from MU with a master’s degree. - Feminist Student Union begins preparations for school year

The Feminist Student Union will prepare for the fall semester during its meetings at the Women’s Center, at 6 p.m. every other Monday. - Columbia Police crack down on sex trafficking in Missouri

“It’s awful cold to be wearing flip-flops,” the undercover cop told the homeless 17-year-old when she insisted everything was fine. He knew better — she was a slave being trafficked for sex in her own hometown. - African-American Males Most Likely to Lose Academic Scholarships, MU Study Finds

Charles Menifield, a professor in the Truman School of Public Affairs at MU, found that more than 50 percent of African-American males lost state-funded scholarships over the course of a four-year academic career. - Wheelchair basketball player gives back on her way to London Paralympics

Sarah Castle, a small woman with chipped hot pink nail polish, sat on the sidelines at a preseason scrimmage. She watched carefully. One eye focused on the action, the other on freshman MU Wheelchair Basketball player James McCormick, who was waiting to enter the competition. - LGBTQ Resource Center holds annual Queer Fall Fling

On Wednesday, the LGBTQ Resource Center hosted its annual Queer Fall Fling, an event open to new and old club members, LGBTQ community members and allies. LGBTQ Resource Center coordinator Struby Struble said the center holds a fling each semester to welcome students back to MU. - Chinese Credit Card Usage Growing Quickly, MU Study Finds

In the past two decades, the Chinese economy has undergone many drastic reforms in an effort to compete more effectively on the international market. - Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative hosts second 5K run, sees big turnout

Early in the morning on Aug. 25, runners took off in the second RUN MIZ, a 5K hosted by the Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative. This year saw a 100 percent increase in participation from last year’s event. - MU study illustrates unemployment inequalities between men, women, minorities

Although unemployment rate differences between gender and race have declined, there are still noticeable inequalities between white males, women and minorities, according to a study co-authored by MU Department of Economics professor Peter Mueser. - Welcome Black

Junior Jordan Williams dances with his Alpha Phi Alpha brothers at the Plaza Amphitheater on Wednesday at the Legion of Black Collegians Welcome Black BBQ. - Mizzou to honor its veterans with a barbecue on Francis Quadrangle

Veterans, this event is for you — a way for the Univeristy of Missouri to say thank you. - Columbia rally sparks debate over women's issues

A blond woman going by “Pillamina” and donning a birth control dispenser costume led a rally of pink-clad women and men holding signs that said “Women Are Watching” outside Rep. Mary Still's campaign office Thursday evening. - Author, professor P.M. Forni visits MU to discuss civility

On Wednesday night, author and Johns Hopkins University professor P.M. Forni addressed nearly 120 people in a lecture on civility at Jesse Wrench Auditorium in Memorial Union. - Author of Choosing Civility to speak at MU

Don't miss P.M. Forni, author of Choosing Civility, speaking on the topic: "Life Is a Relational Experience: Civility in the Age of Google" at 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 22, in Memorial Union's Jesse Wrench Auditorium. - Fledgling sorority Tau Lambda offers women unique Greek option

A new sorority at MU is a little different than one might expect. Tau Lambda, “tau” being the Greek letter for “life” and “lambda” being the letter for “queer," is a new sorority targeted toward queer women and their specific needs, founder Kaitlyn Ingersoll said. - Autism researcher leaves Baylor, returns to MU

When the Thompson Center first opened its doors, no one knew it would grow to become one of the premier neurodevelopmental disorder research facilities in the country, or the largest center specializing in autism spectrum disorders in Missouri. - Spirituality Correlates to Better Mental Health Regardless of Religion, Say MU Researchers

Despite differences in rituals and beliefs among the world’s major religions, spirituality often enhances health regardless of a person’s faith, according to University of Missouri researchers. - Mid-Missouri PrideFest celebrates LGBTQ community

Hundreds gathered near Flat Branch Park on Sunday to celebrate the ninth annual Mid-Missouri PrideFest. The festival featured music, food and fun and served to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community of mid-Missouri. - Mid-Missouri Pride Fest holds interfaith worship service

The Mid-Missouri Pride Fest's interfaith worship service opened with an acoustic rendition of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." The congregation — comprised of about 70 people of all ages, faiths and sexual orientations — crowded into the top floor of the Deja Vu Comedy Club on Sunday afternoon. By the second verse, most were clapping and singing along. - MU to Host “Suit Drive” to Support Local Food Bank and Business Students

The suit drive will give business students access to professional outfits they can wear to upcoming business events. - Islamic college students in Columbia rely on tight-knit community

The Islamic Center of Central Missouri in Columbia is a place of worship for many first and second generation immigrant families. - Four generations of women reflect on Title IX

Forty years have passed since Title IX was signed into law. In that time, the perception of female athletes has transformed from a cultural taboo to a societal norm. - Mizzou MedPride

John Cummins developed Mizzou MedPride, a student group that raises awareness of health issues facing members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. - Missouri voters approve prayer amendment

Missouri voters on Tuesday approved a state constitutional amendment that specifically allows public prayer and permits students to avoid assignments that violate their religious beliefs. - Unemployment Gap Persists Among Women, Minorities, White Men, According to MU Research

The unemployment rate differences among white males, women and minorities have decreased during the past few decades in the United States, but persistent inequalities continue among the groups, according to a study by an economist at the University of Missouri. - Statement Concerning Aditi Avhad

Aditi Avhad, a University of Missouri graduate student from Mumbai, India, died last night as a result of injuries sustained in a bus accident near Litchfeld, Ill. The bus was en route from Chicago to St. Louis.
July
- As Latinos deepen roots in Columbia, Spanish-language services expand

Some businesses and social services — in faith, finances, health and child care, for example — are striving to meet the needs of clients who speak Spanish more comfortably than English. - Taking the Pulse of Women Staff at MU: What issues are important to you?

The Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Women at MU invites you to join us for a brown bag forum entitled "Taking the Pulse of Women Staff at MU". - Multicultural Studies certificate teaches diversity, helps students find jobs

Graduates who list earning MU's multicultural studies certificate on their resume are finding jobs, program director Etti Naveh-Benjamin said. - Muslim holy month of Ramadan runs through August 18

Please remember to accommodate food restrictions during this important month of reflection and worship. - New Diversity Program Promotes Inclusive Workplace Environment for MU Staff

For years, the Chancellor's Diversity Initiative (CDI) at the University of Missouri has been dedicated to enhancing diversity by promoting inclusive excellence and a welcoming campus for MU faculty and students. Now, the CDI has developed a new program specifically tailored for MU staff members that serves as a professional development program devoted to issues of diversity. - Douglass classmates' lives are intertwined with Columbia's history

Growing up together in Columbia's tight-knit black community of the 1950s and '60s, some of the first students to integrate Columbia Public Schools continue to nurture their deep-rooted connection to each other. Their experiences tell a story of how race and community in Columbia have — and haven't — changed over time.
June
- Despite hardships, black men in urban communities are resilient, MU researchers says

Black men, especially those living in low-income, urban areas, face many societal stressors, including racial discrimination, incarceration and poverty. In addition, these men have poorer health outcomes. Now, a University of Missouri faculty member has studied these men's efforts to negotiate social environments that are not designed to help them attain good health and success. - Columbia advocate shares transgender experience with U.S. Senate

That's how Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, described the atmosphere as Kylar Broadus testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on June 12. - Captioning used at MU graduation ceremony for the first time

Two widescreens on the left and right of the stage showed the black-lettered captions. The real-time caption process is called CART, or Communication Access Realtime Translation - Faith and unity reign at this year's Juneteenth celebration

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when slavery in the United States was officially ended — two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. - Ragtime enthusiasts celebrate the past while moving into the future

Tom Warner began filming performances of ragtime and early jazz music and posting them to his YouTube channel, tdub1941, in 2006. Now, he has more than 1,000 subscribers and is approaching 3.5 million views. - UM President, MU Chancellor and Provost to welcome participants to the 11th Annual Cambio De Calores conference

The conference will provide a platform to present, discuss, share, learn and identify critical areas where the development of information and promising practices will facilitate the successful transition of all newcomers into our communities, while providing these communities with the tools necessary to address demographic and cultural change in ways that are sustainable and beneficial to all. The main topics of the conference include: Change and Integration; Civil Rights and Political Participation; Health, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development; and Education. - Health Care Disparities Exist for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, MU Researcher Says

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) require an array of specialized health care services. - Asian grocery gets business boost from African food

Back in Ghana, fufu is pounded fresh daily. The stickier cousin of mashed potatoes, it's made from boiled plantains and cassava thwacked to a pulp with a wooden mortar and pestle. Here in Columbia, it comes in a small blue box. - Sexual Orientation Fluctuation Correlated to Alcohol Misuese, MU Researcher Finds

Many young adults explore and define their sexual identity in college, but that process can be stressful and lead to risky behaviors. In a new study, students whose sexual self-definition didn't fall into exclusively heterosexual or homosexual categories tended to misuse alcohol more frequently than people who had a firmly defined sexual orientation for a particular gender, according to University of Missouri researchers. - Former MU student sentenced to probation, community service in racial slur incident

More than a year after a vandalism incident that brought race issues to light on the University of Missouri campus, a former MU student has been sentenced to serve probation and community service.
May
- Special Olympics State Summer Games begin in Columbia

For the first time since 2007, the Special Olympics State Summer Games is being held in Columbia. - Missouri court strikes down part of 2008 cyberbullying harassment law

The Missouri Supreme Court cited free speech concerns Tuesday in striking down part of a state harassment law that was enacted after a teenager who was teased over the Internet committed suicide. - Tongue Analysis Software Developed at MU Uses Ancient Chinese Medicine to Warn of Disease

University of Missouri researchers have developed computer software that combines the ancient practices and modern medicine by providing an automated system for analyzing images of the tongue. - Memorial Day parade entertains Columbia audience; ceremony honors veterans

A morning parade in downtown Columbia kicked off the day's Memorial Day ovservances - 24th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Veterans Celebration

Don't miss this two-day FREE Salute to Veterans Airshow at the Columbia Regional Airport - Planned Parenthood escort protects the right to choose

Katherine Irwin helps women do what she couldn't - Spectrum Theatre Ensemble makes performances autism accessible

The idea for Spectrum Theatre Ensemble began when Paula Carter, an analyst for MU's Human Resources Department, heard about some MU Occupational Therapy students who had modified a movie theater to make movie viewing more enjoyable for some children with disabilities. - Go Girl Run focused on celebrating women, health and fitness in Columbia

The University of Missouri Women's and Children's Hospital and Ultramax Sports will host an all-women's half-marathon and 5K on Saturday. - MU student activists fight against sweatshops

Their voices carry through the MU Bookstore with the hurried sounds of anticipation. They walk past the racks of black and gold and rows of neatly folded T-shirts. These eight students bounce downstairs, past the textbook shelves and through the "employees only" doors. They approach the administration reception desk. - National Network of Religion Sites Fills Gap for Religion News

In recent years, many newspapers have been forced to eliminate religion beat writer positions due to budget cuts, leaving religion news largely uncovered throughout the country. Now, the Religion News Service (RNS), which is headquartered in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, has launched a network of websites to thoroughly cover national and local religion news. - Teacher, students would like to see broader Arabic studies at MU

The interest in Arabic courses at MU remains high, but there has been no discussion on the administrative level to expand the current program, Mahir said. - Mizzou part of local coalition dedicated to fighting human trafficking

Besides Mizzou, the coalition includes the Columbia Police Department and the local organizations Centro Latino and True North. Centro Latino helps Hispanics take advantage of the health, education and cultural resources available in mid-Missouri; True North is an emergency shelter that provides safety and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. - A Conversation with Tyree Byndom

An activist works to bond Columbia's communities by educating residents on racial diversity - Parents, peers influence Mexican-American college students' behavior, MU study says

A recent study by an MU professor could provide colleges and universities with insight into how to recruit and retain Mexican-American college students - Living alone with Alzheimer's disease tough choice for all

Elaine Vlieger is making some concessions to Alzheimer's disease. She's cut back on her driving, frozen dinners replace once elaborate cooking, and a son monitors her finances. - Catalyst Awards honor activists of the LGBTQ community

The LGBTQ Resource Center sponsored the 14th annual Catalyst Awards on Wednesday in Stotler Lounge, honoring individuals who speak up for MU's LGBTQ community. - MSA hosts 'Beyond the Hoodie' to discuss prejudice on campus

Prompted by the recent Trayvon Martin shooting, the Missouri Students Association hosted an event called "Beyond the Hoodie" on Wednesday. - International students dominate MU's computer science graduate programs

Tiancheng Zhuang decided to study computer science in the U.S. because that's where Microsoft, Google and Apple operate. - MSO hosts second spring conference

The Muslim Student Organization held its second spring conference, Peace, Prosperity, and the Pursuit of Paradise, on April 27 and 28. - Bill looks to remove LGBTQ discussion from schools

When Rep. Steve Cookson, R-District 153, introduced HB 2051, otherwise known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, he quickly found himself facing a lot of opposition. - Professor, students discuss impact of Trayvon Martin case

Not enough people appeared to be talking about Trayvon Martin's death and the circumstances surrounding it, MU law professor David Mitchell said. - Autism Awareness Month ends while Autism Speaks U continues growth

As Autism Awareness Month draws to a close, freshman Alyssa Weeks and sophomore Jennifer Bennett are looking to the future of autism awareness on campus.
April
- LGBTQ students march in first-ever Pride Parade

Amid rainbow flags and an air of excitement, a large gathering of members of the LGBTQ community, including its allies and Truman the Tiger, marched for acceptance and equality at the LGBTQ Resource Center's first official Pride Parade on Wednesday afternoon. - Multicultural Week panel discusses international student experiences

The students participating in the "Coming to America" panel were united by two facts: They were all MU students and were from different countries. - Reported Commentary: Adults with autism

During my life, the word autism has had many definitions. As I grew older and Kyle grew taller, autism meant hearing mom's explanations whenever Kyle started yelling or banging on a table in a restaurant. Now, my little brother isn't very little. - MU will host a symposium on Rwandan genocide

A symposium on "Genocide in Rwanda: Media, Memory and Denial" continues through Saturday at MU. - First-ever MU Pride Parade raises awareness for LGBTQ issues

Amid rainbow flags and an air of excitement, a large gathering of members of the LGBTQ community, including its allies and Truman the Tiger, marched for acceptance and equality at the LGBTQ Resource Center's first official Pride Parade on Wednesday afternoon. - Multicultural Week features events to celebrate MU students' cultures

The Missouri Students Association Senate's Multicultural Issues Committee is hosting its first Multicultural Week. - Sexual violence at MU: effects on students and where to go for help

When people think of college life, images of classes, exams, football games and parties automatically spring to mind. Unfortunately, for some people sexual violence also has become a defining aspect of their undergraduate experience - Freedom Movement at Mizzou participates in weeklong national event

Freedom Movement is a presence on campuses across the U.S. dedicated to raising awareness and funding for the prevention of human trafficking, while ideally inspiring college students to join the movement along the way. - Missouri bill targets discussion of sexual orientation in public schools

Republican leaders in the Missouri House are backing legislation that would limit the discussion of people's sexual orientation in public schools. - Yusuf Raja elected president of Muslim Student Organization

The Muslim Student Organization held its Executive Board Elections Friday in the MU Student Center. - Granny's House inspires entrepreneur, philanthropist

Kiona Hughes, a 16-year-old sophomore at Hickman High School, wore a bow in her hair, a headband, earrings, a scarf, a watch and about nine bracelets on her wrists. - Relphorde/Grant win LBC elections

Greer Relphorde and Cameron Grant won the Legion of Black Collegians presidential elections, LBC announced on Twitter on Friday. - LBC's Black Love Week hosts panel on love

Three couples shared their love stories Thursday as part of Black Love Week. - Mizzou Climate: 'Greek Allies' continues conversation about being queer in Greek Life

MU Greek Allies founder Drake Douglas said he always feels comfortable about his sexuality in his fraternity, Delta Chi. As a gay man in the Greek Life community, he understands how lucky he is. - LBC's Black Love Week hosts panel on love

Three couples shared their love stories Thursday as part of Black Love Week. - MU effort to stress need for civil discourse on campus

University of Missouri Deputy Chancellor Mike Middleton just wants people on campus to be civil to each other. - Soccer team’s use of Rising Sun flag causes stir

University of Missouri administrators are trying to figure out how to deal with a Rising Sun flag used on a campus soccer team uniform that has offended at least one student. - Latino/a Wealth and Livelihood Strategies in Rural Midwestern Communities

The current demographic and cultural changes in Midwestern and Southern communities are among the most important transformational events shaping the future of U.S. agriculture and rural America. - Survivor shares his experience as part of Holocaust Remembrance Day

The story 87-year-old Guenther Goldsmith told of his time as a Jewish boy living in Germany during the Holocaust stirred emotion throughout the audience. - LBC's Black Love Week unites students while debating love, relationships, sex

This year's Black Love Week will feature daily discussions on love, relationships and sex, and how those factors affect students' lives. - Chancellor's Diversity Initiative Climate Survey returns to campus

Since 2001, MU has released a number of surveys allowing students to share their views on diversity within the campus atmosphere - Chabad house hopes to provide a new outlet for the Jewish community in Columbia

For the eight days of Passover, which started the evening of April 6, keeping kosher means replacing bread with matzoh and not allowing food to touch surfaces or dishes that have encountered leavened bread. - MU Difficult Dialogues Initiative to Expand, Continue This Summer

The University of Missouri has hosted the Difficult Dialogues Initiative to promote diversity and understanding in the classroom among faculty members and graduate students since 2005 - LBC holds presidential candidate debate

The Legion of Black Collegians presidential candidates participated in a debate Wednesday at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center for its elections next week. - Ann Coulter speaks at Missouri Theatre

Students, Columbia citizens and people from all over Missouri flocked to the Missouri Theatre on Wednesday night to hear syndicated columnist and best-selling novelist Ann Coulter speak. - Army ROTC women at MU train for lives as soldiers

The women of the Army ROTC battalion at MU train and succeed alongside their male counterparts with the same strength and endurance workouts, drills, situational exercises and uniforms. - The Big Muddy Fold Festival returns

The plucking of a banjo, the fluidity of a fiddle and the clacking of bones and spoons all describe Dave Para and Cathy Barton's music. - Social indicators in America

Race, education, health insurance coverage and poverty can all play a part in determining a person's quality of life and ability to achieve the American Dream. - Female firefighter suits up in a class of mostly men

The current 24-person class of Boone County firefighter recruits is not only the largest class in the county's history, but it also holds the record for hosting the most women. Claire Dixon, 21, is one of four female recruits in this year's class. Although she feels a need to prove herself as a woman in a guys' club, she feels an even greater need to prove herself as a firefighter. - RSVP raises sexual assault awareness, programs events

During the month of April, the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center will hold events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in order to provide education about sexual assault and inspire activism, according to the organization's website. - MU forum participants say continuing Trayvon Martin conversation important

Mizzou Black Men's Initiative member Timothy Jones said that it is important to continue the dialogue that began during a discussion about racism Monday night. - MU faculty panelists discuss Trayvon Martin's death

Public perceptions of the death of Trayvon Martin and the subsequent debate over whether George Zimmerman should be charged with a crime are influenced by a complex web of self-defense law, racial attitudes and media coverage, three MU faculty members said at a forum Monday. - Universal Design Summit promotes accessible living conditions for all

The structure and design of a city's curbs and crosswalks are seldom noticed by those on the move. - Autism research may be about to bear fruit

More than $1 billion has been spent over the past decade researching autism. - LGBTQ Resource Center hosts Pride Month

For MU students, April is an opportunity not only to celebrate, but to educate themselves on the issues facing some of their fellow students. - Fair displays diverse range of disability definition

MU Student Exceptions held its annual DiverseAbility Fair on Wednesday on Lowry Mall to provide an opportunity for students to learn about disability rights and culture. Some of the participants were the Sight Club, MU Office of Disability Services and Delta Alpha Pi, an honor society for disabled students with exceptional grades. - International students come to Columbia

International students Mikey Collins and Luke Leonard chat over drinks at The Upper Crust while on a break from work. They both intern at Newsy. - Sexual Objectification of Female Artists in Music Videos Exists Regardless of Race, MU Study Finds

Popular music videos have been criticized as having misogynistic messages and images. While more female music artists have gained visibility and created successful "brands" in recent years, critics argue that many of these artists are pushing the boundaries of acceptable norms with regard to race, gender and sexuality in popular culture. - Clyde Ruffin receives President's Community Engagement Award

The person who wins is also a promoter of cultural, spiritual and social development in the community, Lindsey said - MU Minority Graduate Students' Challenges are Focus of National Study

Dropout rates in doctoral programs average between 40 and 50 percent, with minority students finishing at lower rates, according to the Council of Graduate Schools. - MU faculty member to retire, volunteer with Peace Corps

Martha "Marty" Patton, associate professor of English, faculty sponsor for Amnesty International and chairwoman of the faculty committee for peace studies at MU, has had a lifelong interest in making a difference through small interactions. - MU's Museum of Anthropology offers a look at cultural past

"Walk the World" is a collection of shoes worn by cultures around the world. Visitors can see toe-knob sandals with bronze inlay from India and Japanese Geta as well as the Chinese lotus shoes worn by women whose feet were bound. - Local business donates to MU Thompson Center for World Autism Day

Two local organizations partnered to donate money to MU's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders last week, helping kick off Autism Awareness Month in Columbia. - Forum on contraceptive mandate controversy to occur Wednesday night

When the Obama administration announced its birth control mandate for insurance providers in January, it sparked a nationwide debate. - Prevalence of Children with Autism Increasing; No One Factor to Blame, MU Researcher Says

The number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased nearly 80 percent in the past decade, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced. Currently, one in 88 children receives an ASD diagnosis, and of those children diagnosed, boys outnumber girls 5-to-1. - Palm Sunday observed by Columbia churches

Congregations gathered together to observe Palm Sunday. The holy day is observed one week before Easter Sunday. - Korean children study abroad — before college — in Columbia, other U.S. towns

As American teenagers go, Sally Kim is pretty typical. She's crazy about singer Bruno Mars and the Plain White T's rock band, spends way too much time on Facebook and can't wait to start college in the fall. - 'Military friendly' college lists prompt concerns, mislead veterans

In press releases and ads, colleges love boasting they're "military friendly" and "veterans friendly" — and that isn't just because veterans are usually good students and campus leaders.
March
- Contra dancing comes to Columbia

The Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers hosted its 24th annual Spring Breakdown on Saturday at Stephens College's Kimball Ballroom. - MU Celebrates LGBTQ Pride Month

Explore LGBTQ and Ally programming and resources this month at MU. - Increasing number of MU international students brings both benefits, challenges

Early this semester, Charles Davis, an associate professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, passed his cellphone around and "built in" each student as a video clip. - Settlement reached in Missouri LGBT website-filtering case

The American Civil Liberties Union has settled a lawsuit with a central Missouri school district whose Internet filtering software was blocking access to educational websites about gay, lesbian and transgender issues. - LUNAFEST film festival coming to Columbia

Lunafest is a fundraising film festival that promotes awareness about women's issues, highlights women filmmakers and brings women together in their communities, according to a news release. - Racial Stereotyping Increases After Being Exposed to Alcohol-Related Images Says MU Psychologist

Accusations of racism accompanying the death of Trayvon Martin and the subsequent actions of Florida police are prevalent in the national media this week. - Historic downtown St. Paul A.M.E. Church celebrates 145th anniversary

Shortly after the end of the Civil War, blacks from the local Methodist and Baptist churches gathered to create their own church: The African Union Church. - Three honored at annual Tribute to Women

The tribute is an honor reserved for MU female students, staff and faculty who work to make the campus a more equitable place for women, respect the differences in women's experiences and promote the advancement of women. - State disability funds going broke and going away

With hundreds of thousands of wounded veterans looking for work after World War II, many states offered businesses an incentive to hire the returning heroes. - Freshman makes big impact for wheelchair basketball team

Freshman Joe Dixon had a superb season for the MU Wheelchair Basketball team. Head coach Ron Lykins believes Dixon can make the U.S. team one day, pointing out his precision outside shooting. - MU NAACP presents eighth annual Image Awards

For the presenters, performers and award recipients at this year's MU National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Image Awards, the ceremony was a chance to be recognized for their work in the black community. - KONY 2012 documentary plays at MU

A lot of speculation has been made about whether the KONY 2012 movement is worth the hoopla. MU students had the opportunity to decide for themselves at the campus premiere of the KONY documentary Wednesday in Jesse Hall. - Four Front holds summit geared toward future leaders

Around 40 student leaders representing more than 10 social justice organizations gathered Saturday to learn what it takes to be a great leader. - MU graduate presents research on Latino youth

Adriana Umaña-Taylor returned to her alma mater Monday to present a lecture about understanding context in regard to Latino youth development in the United States. - One Mizzou: One year later

As the initiative still finds its footing, early plans for programming have taken a backseat to long-term goals of inclusivity. - Female aviation pioneer to share her fervor for flight at Stephens College

"Fear is not a part of my family," Funk, who played an important role in pioneering female aviation, said. - Many active-duty soldiers face mental battle after they return home

Specialist Michael Cookson, 22, describes his deployment to Afghanistan as terrible. Most days, he said, he feared for his life. - 10 Tips for an Inclusive Spring Break Experience!

Add a taste of diversity to your spring break with some recommendations from the Office of the Chancellor's Diversity Initiative - Sentencing in Local Human-Trafficking Case Shows Grant Money at Work, MU Expert Says

Earlier this month, two individuals from Columbia were sentenced to time in prison after pleading guilty to selling a homeless minor into prostitution. Deb Hume, an associate teaching professor in the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program, says a grant received by MU and local agencies, including the Columbia police department, helped investigators examine the case that put the perpetrators behind bars. - LBC begins election season short of two executive members

With a few recent executive board member changes, the Legion of Black Collegians is heading into its election season. - Plans develop for new veterans memorial

Memorial Union has honored MU students who died in World War I for 86 years. Faculty and students are now in the process of designing a new memorial to honor students who have served in conflicts since World War I. - Speculation of gender bias gives MU a bad reputation

David Geary, curators' professor of psychological sciences in the MU College of Arts and Science, believes in the stereotype, "Women don't perform as well as men on difficult math tests because they're conditioned to believe the stereotype that they're not as smart as men at math." - MSA pushes for gender expression in M-Book non-discrimination clause

By passing a resolution supporting the addition of gender expression to the non-discrimination clause in the M-book, the Missouri Students Association continued pushing MU's diversity initiative ahead - New York Times best-selling author David Finch shares struggles with Asperger syndrome

David Finch, author of New York Times bestseller "The Journal of Best Practices," spoke March 5 in Fisher Auditorium about the struggles of living with Asperger syndrome. - How to present your culture?

International Night took place in Jesse Auditorium last Saturday. - International Night displays culture from around the world

Jesse Auditorium was full of international culture, from dances to skits to a Taiwanese toy called a diabolo, during International Night on Saturday. - Supreme Court could reverse affirmative action

A Supreme Court revision might reverse a University of Michigan case and eliminate the use of race as a factor in admissions decisions, according to an article in the New York Times. - Short Women's Play Festival brings national women playwrights to Columbia

The directors and stage managers of the Short Women's Play Festival this weekend will have another factor to keep in mind — three of the four playwrights will be present during the performances. - Bookstore aproves $50,000 in sweatshop-free apparel

The MU chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops met with the bookstore Thursday. - Missouri law on religious schools creates special education challenges

Religious education backers are making a hard run this year at trying to force a statewide election asking voters to eliminate Missouri's "Blaine Amendment," which blocks all manner of public funding from any religious-based entity. - Equality in medical care for LGBTQ community

LGBTQ community seeks informed and inclusive doctors - Math gender gap theory faces skepticism from MU professor

Barbie uttered the phrase "Math class is tough" in 1992, and Mattel had to reprogram its doll in response to an outcry from women's groups. Less than 10 years later, a social media backfire forced J.C. Penney Co. to pull from its shelves a T-shirt that read, "I'm too pretty to do homework, so my brother has to do it for me." - New Report Could Improve Lives of Missouri Women, MU Researcher Says

Though women are better represented in the workforce and in higher education institutions, they still face barriers in employment, education and health care access and are more likely to live in poverty. - MEDIA ADVISORY: MU Organizations to Show Films About Human Trafficking and War in Africa

Two University of Missouri organizations, Stop Traffic and Invisible Children, will show films about the dangers of human trafficking and the war in Africa. - Med student shines light on LGBTQ health with new group

Every Thursday night, for three hours, second-year medical student John Cummins would go to a gay man's bathhouse and wait in an office with a partner. As volunteers, they would wait for people wearing only towels to come up to them for counseling or HIV testing. - Black Women Rock! in Columbia

Sonja Steptoe, BA '82, BJ '82, is coming back to MU on March 10 to serve as the keynote speaker for the second Black Women Rock! event. Adapted from the Black Girls Rock! special on Black Entertainment Television (BET) that honors exceptional women of color around the world who serve as inspirational and positive role models, the MU event recognizes local women's accomplishments. - MU Women's Center celebrates March's Women's Month

Thursday marked the beginning of Women's History Month 2012, beginning a full calendar of MU events designed to highlight modern women's accomplishments and issues during the next four weeks. - MU hosts variety of events honoring Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, people in the MU community organized several events in honor of Black History Month. - The Paris of the North

udying Journalism, International Studies and Spanish at the University of Missouri. After spending a semester studying at the University of Bonn in Germany last spring, she is back for another study abroad adventure, this time at the University of Bergen in Norway for the 2012 spring semester! - Running past bigotry: Mizzou remembers Tiger great Norris Stevenson

Norris Stevenson, the first black student athlete to attend Mizzou on a football scholarship and a star in some of Mizzou's biggest games, died Saturday after a battle with colon cancer. He was 72. - Activist Lateefah Simon delivers Women's History Month keynote address

The sight of women being bought and sold against their will, the pain associated with the underground street economy and the jaws of addiction that devastate inner-city communities are among the experiences that Lateefah Simon has encountered during her 17 years of working as an activist in the San Francisco area. - Mizzou Black Men's Initiative to sponsor new FIG

Mizzou Black Men's Initiative will sponsor a Freshman Interest Group next year for black, male students. Nathan Stephens, the senior coordinator of the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, will lead the FIG - Bad economy spells end for Missouri agency helping African immigrants

The sputtering economy has taken its toll on Metaferia. Grants are harder to come by — and smaller than ever. And much of the help available is for those who serve new arrivals; Metaferia's clients tend to be those who have been in St. Louis beyond five years, when assistance for refugees is no longer available. - MU Celebrates Women's History Month

Explore Women in History and Culture this month at MU. - Behind the Beautiful Forevers: an account of a Mumbai slum

While reading the Prologue to Behind the Beautiful Forevers, a million questions come to mind. The writing is crisp and precise, but perhaps most striking is the omniscient narrator who lacks an identity. How did Katherine Boo, a blonde, American journalist, learn so much about each person in this slum community, and how does she get so many perspectives on each event? - Domestic partner benefits subject of Staff Council meeting

Leona Rubin, Faculty Council representative, asked the Staff Advisory Council Feb. 23 to support domestic partner benefits at the university. - MU Recognizes Contributions to Diversity

Officials from the University of Missouri Chancellor's Diversity Initiative have awarded two MU students, two faculty members and an organization with the 2012 Inclusive Excellence Award. - MU Wheelchair Basketball player brings athletic experience to team

The MU Wheelchair Basketball team just won both games of its doubleheader against the Kansas Wheelhawks, and he had performed well. He scored 42 points for MU in the two games combined, including 25 in the second one. - Congratulations to the 2012 Mizzou Inclusive Excellence Award Recipients!

The Mizzou Inclusive Excellence Award is given to individuals or groups who, as part of the Mizzou community, have made exemplary contributions within the past two years to any area of diversity, including but not limited to issues of gender, racial-ethnic background, language, religious belief, sexual orientation, abilities and disabilities, national and geographical origin and economic strata. - Jenn Pozner is coming to MU!

Join Jenn Pozner, founder and executive director of Women in Media and News and author of Reality Bites Back: The Troubling Truth About Guilty Pleasure TV, for this eye-opening and relatable lecture.
February
- EXPERT AVAILABLE: After Latest School Shooting, Bullying Prevention Programs Need Stronger Focus, MU Expert Says

On Monday, a student opened fire at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio, killing two classmates and wounding three others. - Fitness Programs for Minority Adults Lack Cultural Relevance, MU Study Finds

Many leading causes of death are linked to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, including inadequate physical activity. Adults in minority populations have lower levels of physical activity and higher rates of preventable deaths, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. - Jina Yoo's Asian Bistro owner chosen for South Korean 'MasterChef'

Jina Yoo is queen of her kitchen kingdom. In her 6-inch heels, flowing coral dress, Hollywood makeup and coiffed hair, the only thing distinguishing her from someone stepping onto the red carpet is the apron tied around her waist. - International Welcome Party draws crowds

The semi-annual International Welcome Party drew a crowd to the MU Student Center on Saturday. - Film Honors 'Living Legend' Eliot Battle

Some people in Columbia didn't treat Eliot Battle and his family very well when they were still fairly new in town. Real-estate agents wouldn't show him homes outside of black neighborhoods; former colleagues at Douglass School called him a traitor for getting a job at Hickman High; and children didn't invite his kids over to play, regardless of their race. - Family and Peer Relationships Essential to Mexican-American College Students' Success, MU Researcher Says

A new study by a University of Missouri researcher found that Mexican-American college students' family and peer attachments are associated with prosocial and physically aggressive behaviors that can affect their success in college. - Ashes Indicate Beginning of Lenten Season

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Some members of the Christian faith receive ashes on their forehead in anticipation of the 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter. - Vagina Monologues scream for anti-abuse

It was heard echoing through Speakers Circle, shouted throughout the student center and, on Saturday, the word erupted from Jesse Hall — "vagina." - AGING AMERICA: For boomers, it's a new era of 'work till you drop'

When Paula Symons joined the U.S. workforce in 1972, typewriters in her office clacked nonstop, people answered the telephones and the hot new technology revolutionizing communication was the fax machine. - MU Students Promote Literacy, Cultural Pride in Local Schools

The University of Missouri Association for Black Graduate and Professional Students (ABGPS) is promoting literacy and ethnic pride during the 2012 Black History Month through its second annual reading program. - Volunteers serve a record number of hours for the third year in a row

Columbia Health Department volunteer Tyler Walton believes the more you volunteer, the more needs you see. - MU East Africa fundraiser dinner raises $1600

The MU East Africa Fundraising Dinner raised $1600 for Africare, a non-profit organization that provides sustainable, long-term solutions to agriculture, sanitation, water security and humanitarian assistance. - ROSE NOLEN: Black History Month reflects on past, celebrates progress

Some see Black History Month as an excellent time to share histories and cultures. With so much information available, this is a great learning opportunity. - Speak Your Mind forum reveals ways to stop human trafficking

When Hickman senior Claudia Sipakati first heard about human trafficking in Columbia three years ago, she didn't know how that fit in her high school framework of life. - Organist with autism speaks through his music

David Kuhns has trouble finding words; he hesitates as he speaks. His attention span is short, his gaze drifts and he tends to wander away from the conversations of others after a few minutes. - TriCo elects new executive board

The Triangle Coalition elected a new executive board Wednesday for the 2012-13 academic year. Legislative Liaison Taylor Dukes was named president-elect and will take over for the current president, Emily Colvin, in April. - Panel discusses emotional, psychological effects of cyberbullying

"You can't escape cyberbullying. It has more of a reach than traditional bullying," said Melissa Holt, counseling psychologist and assistant professor at the Boston University School of Education. - Jazz legend Chucho Valdés returns to Columbia

His fingers move fast as they tickle the piano keys almost effortlessly in a tongue twister of notes. His energy is youthful, and it seems that age is working in his favor. - David Rosman: Discrimination to one is discrimination to all

Discrimination is discrimination, regardless of whether it is the primary, secondary, tertiary or any other reason for dismissal, refusals of promotion, a demotion or any other disciplinary action. - MU doctoral student plans to build hospital in Kenyan hometown with help from Columbia community

Jivetti, who plans to graduate from MU in May with a doctorate in rural sociology, established Pathways Africa in 2011 as a nonprofit organization. The program will start by building a three-story hospital that is expected to serve up to 100,000 people. - Black AIDS Day in Columbia highlights importance of testing

Blacks are affected by HIV/AIDS more than any other race or ethnicity in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - Trans Action Team launches new website

The Trans Action Team has recently launched a new website for the transgender community in order to provide students with resources and education for transgender issues. - ANNOUNCEMENT: 2012 Tribute to MU Women - Nominations Open

Do you know an MU woman faculty, staff, or student who has 1) worked above and beyond the expectations of her job responsibilities to help create an environment of equity, fairness and justice for women on the MU campus, including students, faculty and staff, and 2) demonstrated respect for the diversity of women's experiences, and 3) helped promote the advancement of women through education, advocacy, support and activism? If so, please nominate her for the 2012 Tribute to MU Women. Anyone can nominate. Two letters are the only nomination materials required. Information and the online nomination form available at http://statusofwomen.missouri.edu/tribute. Awardees will be recognized at a ceremony on March 22, 3:30 p.m., Memorial Union. - MU police: Racist fliers posted in residence hall weren't criminal

There was no crime committed by MU students who posted racist fliers in a residence hall last week, MU police determined. - Some blacks insist: 'I'm not African-American'

The labels used to describe Americans of African descent mark the movement of a people from the slave house to the White House. Today, many are resisting this progression by holding on to a name from the past: "black." - Film festival encourages dialogue about Peace Corps, international issues

Jake Wilson wants to help dispel the notion that volunteering in the Peace Corps is simply a "noble cause." "I did it because there's issues out there, and I'm trying to follow my own values," he said. - More cities consider parades for Iraq War veterans

A St. Louis parade welcoming home Iraq War and other post-Sept. 11 veterans was such a hit that at least 10 other cities around the country are considering similar celebrations. - Conservative Ann Coulter to speak at MU

Ann Coulter, syndicated columnist and political commentator, will visit MU's campus April 11, courtesy of the MU College Republicans. - EXPERT AVAILABLE: MU Law Expert Says Fair Housing Ruling is Correct

The Federal Housing Act (FHA) prohibits housing advertisements from expressing preferences based on race, ethnicity, religion, or familial status. - One Mizzou celebrates Black History Month

The One Mizzou campaign is working on an "I Celebrate Black History" campaign during the month of February to help raise awareness and prevent hate crimes that have occurred the past two years during Black History Month. - Bill proposes English as only language for driver's exams

Although driver's license examinations are currently offered in 12 languages in Missouri, a proposed House bill could limit the options to just English. - MU Celebrates Black History Month!

Explore Black Women in History and Culture this month at MU. - MU Law School to Host Symposium on Cyberbullying in Schools

The University of Missouri School of Law and the Missouri Law Review will host a two-day symposium on the effects of cyberbullying among elementary and secondary students. The symposium, "Cyberbullying: Emerging Realities and Legal Challenges," will feature an array of national experts, including keynote speaker John Palfrey, co-director of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University and vice-dean at the Harvard School of Law. - Storyteller Gladys Coggswell to perform at MU art exhibition

The MU Museum of Art and Archaeology's new exhibition "Black Women in Art and the Stories They Tell" will kick off Thursday with the opening "The Stories I Tell," a performance by award-winning Missouri storyteller Gladys Coggswell.
January
- Taiwanese Lunar New Year celebration

The meaning of the New Year is for families to get together and "add another year" to their age. - New bill proposes to lessen employer discrimination

Sen. Brad Lager, R-Maryville, filed Senate Bill 592, which proposes to modify the Missouri Human Rights Act and employment discrimination law, on Jan. 3.The bill would lessen the degree of discrimination in employment. - Women's Center begins the new yar with a 'fresh' start

The Women's Center held another installment of its "Ms. Zou" series Thursday with a segment called "Start Fresh!" - Peace Corps volunteers have more master's degree options at MU

MU's Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows Program, a graduate fellowship offering financial assistance to returned Peace Corps volunteers, has expanded degree options. - Iraqi author Zaid Mahir to hold reading and book signing at Peace Nook

An Iraqi author and scholar who was in Iraq during the 2003 U.S. invasion will have a book reading and signing Wednesday. - Peace Corps expands at MU

The Peace Corps has announced a large expansion to MU's Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program. - Biting Into a Big Market: CAFNR students explore the expanding Chinese food industry

Food is at the center of a revolution in China. Chinese are dining out more and increasingly wolfing down pizzas and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Ag exports and imports are booming. Farmers are flocking to the cities, triggering a rapid mechanization of ancient farms. And the whole thing is growing at double-digit rates. - MU faculty members selected as 2012 Global Scholars

This summer, a group of 13 MU faculty members will have the opportunity to develop new research and teaching opportunities with colleagues in Costa Rica and Panama as part of the MU Global Scholars program. - MU performance project shares stories of domestic violence

Rollie throws out a statistic from the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. - Male organizations unite to sponsor Blood Brothers blood drive

The beginning of each year is a down time for American Red Cross blood donations, so some of MU's male organizations decided to help collect donations during this time of need. - MU gets replica of MLK memorial

Last night's event also included MU alumnus Ty Christian, who presented university administrators with a replica of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C. - Comedian pokes fun at racism during talk

Black comedian Larry Wilmore had a packed Missouri Theatre audience in stitches last night with jokes and comments that sometimes pushed racial lines. - Talk of redefining autism triggrs outcry

Recent news reports about proposed changes to the definition of autism sparked concerns about effects on those diagnosed with the disorder, but a Columbia autism expert said it's too early to predict what, if any, changes it would mean to patients and families. - Adolescents with Autism Spend Free Time Using Solitary, Screen-Based Media

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) tend to be fascinated by screen-based technology. A new study by a University of Missouri researcher found that adolescents with autism spend the majority of their free time using non-social media, including television and video-games. - Fleisher, Sewell honored for work with MU Veterans Center

MU's Carol Fleisher and Daniel Sewell were recognized Monday with the Outstanding Public Service Award, the second-highest honorary public service award given by the U.S. Department of Defense. - Actor Larry Wilmore to speak at MU's belated Martin Luther King celebration

Wilmore, who is the senior black correspondent on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," uses comedy to give commentary on the otherwise intense topics in American society and politics. - Missouri workplace discrimination bill blocked in state Senate

A Democrat-led debate kept the state Senate from voting Monday on a bill that would limit protections for employees who file discrimination complaints. - Coalition fights human trafficking with awareness event in Boone County

The Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition underscored President Barack Obama's declaration of January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month with an event intended to raise human trafficking and exploitation consciousness among the public. - PHOTO GALLERY: Visiting Chinese middle school students performed Friday at Jesse Auditorium

- Chinese student population drives overall international increase

International students are becoming an increasingly more common facet of MU's campus, with this semester's population larger than ever. - Students come together at annual Queer Spring Fling

The annual Queer Spring Fling, organized by the LGBTQ Resource Center, was held Thursday night to welcome students back from break. - Mizzou Black Men's Initiative gives back through service

Between spending time with family and friends, members of the Mizzou Black Men's Initiative embraced the generosity of the holiday season by giving back to their communities. - ASB crosses international borders for the first time

Members of Alternative Spring Break forged new territories — literally — during winter break with the completion of the organization's first international trip. - Diversity, a welcoming climate are MU campus goals

As college campuses strive to become more diverse in their faculty and student populations, it can be a challenge to create an environment where people from different backgrounds and cultures feel comfortable expressing themselves. - Celebration of Chinese culture

Sixty-five middle school students from Beijing will perform at "Chinese Culture and Art Night," an evening of Chinese folk music, ethnic dance, Peking opera and martial arts at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, in Jesse Hall Auditorium. - Project United encourages student communication and Unity

The group is meant to encourage students to communicate with campus peers and people within Columbia. Members want them to strike up meaningful conversations to learn from diverse individuals and build long-lasting relationships. - Residential Life offers English courses for its Spanish-speaking staff

Judith Robledo finds it difficult sometimes to communicate effectively in English at work and in the community. - School of Medicine seeks to increase diversity

As the new medical school dean in 2009, Robert Churchill was horrified to hear that alumni were discouraging prospective students from applying to their alma mater. Many had experienced discriminatory behavior from their own classmates or faculty and hadn't returned to the School of Medicine since graduation. - "Women Worse at Math than Men" Explanation Scientifically Incorrect, MU Researchers Say

Popular theory debunked; researchers say gender stereotype and math skills are unrelated - Columbia mother Tara Bailey balances family and bipolar disorder

It takes one look in her kids' eyes for Tara Bailey to know what's right: Her kids will always come before her mental health. - MU to receive replica of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

MU will receive a replica sculpture of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on Jan. 25. - Columbia residents honor Martin Luther King with candlelight march

Red light from tinted candle holders, green sticks of wax and even a flashlight illuminated the path from Douglass High School to St. Paul AME Church on Monday night. About 90 individuals participated in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Candlelight Walk and memorial, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. - Columbia celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy

Second Missionary Baptist Church's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration honored three Columbia residents for their achievements in community involvement and activism. - Diversity award honors Ingrams for Granny's House, science club

- Columbia celebrates diversity with 19th annual ceremony

Otto Steinhaus, a retired United Methodist minister, wrote his first invocation for the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration seven years ago, at the request of his son. - Celebrations planned for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Several events are scheduled to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Columbia. - Central Missouri Community Action seeking volunteers for MLK Day of Service 2012

Central Missouri Community Action is calling for volunteers to participate in this year's Martin Luther King Day of Service by donating an hour or two to help their neighbors. - City seeks citizen participation in survey on affordable housing

A survey to look at affordable housing issues in Columbia has been put online to help the city get feedback about how it uses federal funding. - MU graduate student from Thailand celebrates holidays with American Families

Punthasee, 23, who is from Bangkok, used this holiday season as an opportunity to visit new places and participate in American holiday traditions with two MU students and their families. - ACLU objects to Missouri school district's religious speakers

The American Civil Liberties Union has warned a northwest Missouri school district that it is coming close to breaching the line of separation between church and state with some of the motivational speakers it has arranged through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
2011
December
- Register Now for the 19th Annual Columbia Values Diversity Celebration

Don't miss the Jan. 6 registration deadline. - How to recycle Christmas trees, other holiday decorations

At least 33 million live Christmas trees are sold in North America each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. - Hanukkah celebration at Chabad House

The sixth day of Hanukkah was celebrated Sunday at an event at the Chabad House in Columbia. - DAVID ROSMAN: Hanukkah is not a 'Jewish Christmas' and other matters

Happy HanuKwanzaaChristmaYuleSolstice. - MU students receive Gilman scholarships

Congratulations to MU students Michelle Tang and Chrsitine Assefa, recipients of scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. - Center Project celebrates new location with grand reopening

The Center Project celebrated its move to St. James Street with a grand re-opening Saturday night. The project used to be located on East Ash Street, according to its website, but board member Charles Dunlap said it had to relocate due to a rise in rent at its previous location - Missouri wheelchair basketball shines in competition

The Missouri Tigers wheelchair basketball team won in convincing fashion Wednesday night as it defeated the Missouri Predators by a final score of 64-20. - MU Student Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient Awarded Scholarships to Study Abroad

Now, Canine is a MU sophomore studying abroad in Germany and The Netherlands this winter with the help of the Trulaske College of Business and Veterans United Home Loans. - David Rosman: A look at racism from many directions

I took part in a conversation Saturday that few of us are willing to have, and I remain disturbed at the lack of understanding that still exists about the topic. - New Jewish student center opens on campus

On MU's campus, Jewish students now have another center at their disposal. The center has been open since early November. The house functions as an open place for Jewish students to practice their faith, and it includes a kosher kitchen. It also serves as the home of Rabbi Avraham Lapine, his wife Chana Lapine and their 10-month-old son Mendel. - Iraq veteran travels abroad with help of MU

Army veteran Robert Canine received the chance to study abroad with the help of the Trulaske College of Business and Veterans United Home Loans two years after he was injured in Iraq. - International White Ribbon Campaign comes to campus

Campaign urges men to end violence against women. - MU Expert Discusses Influence of Culture on Health

"People from different cultures have different beliefs concerning health, nutrition, exercise – even the origin of diseases," Hosokawa said. "As public health practitioners, we need to be aware of how culture influences behavior. We need to be more sensitive to our own biases and question how our cultural beliefs affect others." - City Council votes to protect gender identity under discrimination policy

When Jessica Orsini walked out of the Columbia City Council meeting Monday night, she dropped to her knees and pumped her fists. "Yes," she said, standing up and hugging the nearest person. "I've been waiting for this for 11 years." - Boone Life: A Columbia women tells how she converted to Islam

Jessica Fay is a blonde. But you wouldn't know that from looking at her, and that's just the way she likes it. - MU study abroad participation exceeds national average

Study Abroad Director Barbra Lindeman said throughout the previous year, MU has observed a 10 percent increase in study abroad interest, compared to the national average of 4 percent. She said this increase is accounted for by students' competition in a global job market as well as personal benefits. - World AIDS Day brings awareness to students

Thursday was World AIDS Day, a day that "is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died," the event's official Facebook page said. - Longer shelter stays for domestic violence victims

Employment and housing deficits have led to increases in the length of time clients temporarily live at the True North and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service shelters - Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center holds early Kwanzaa celebration

The Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center held an early Kwanzaa celebration on Thursday. The event featured a presentation of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, a gospel choir and steel drum performance. Kwanzaa begins Dec. 26 and ends Jan. 1. - Today is World AIDS Day

Join the worldwide effort to observe World Aids Day.
November
- Leadership in Diversity with Dr. Robert J. Churchill: Dean, School of Medicine

Don't miss this first presentation with Dean Robert J. Churchill. Listen and learn of the strategies applied by the School of Medicine that help facilitate an inclusive learning and research environment on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in Memorial Union's Jesse Wrench Auditorium. - Memorial quilt commemorates victims for World AIDS Day

Thirteen panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt are on display in the Firestone Baars Chapel at Stephens College during the week leading up to Thursday, which is World AIDS Day. - McDavid hall coordinator wins national award for diversity program

- Jewish emissaries settle in Columbia

A young rabbi who moved with his family this month from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Columbia hopes not only to join the community here but also to create one. - Black homeownership, lending to blacks decline in Missouri

The malignant touch of the recession and the housing crisis have reached a wide spectrum of people. But chances are, if you're in Missouri and if you're black, you were affected more than others. - Instructor recognized for leading nursing study abroad program

The University of Missouri Study Abroad Advisory Council (SAAC) honored Lynelle Phillips, an instructor in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing and instructor and field placement coordinator for the MU Master of Public Health Program, with the annual Award for Excellence in Short-term Study Abroad Programming Nov. - PHOTO GALLERY: A Tanzanian singing group brings its soulful music to Columbia

The En-kata choir, a Tanzanian singing group, spent the last two days performing at the New Hope Church in Columbia. The singers came to the U.S. as part of The Hope of the Maasai tour. - MBMI hosts first leadership summit event

The Mizzou Black Men's Initiative hosted its first day-long educational summit on leadership Sunday in the Mark Twain Ballroom in Memorial Union. - Silveira inspires during performance for Transgender Awareness

Lucas Silveira, frontman of the alternative rock band The Cliks, performed in Stotler Lounge on Tuesday. Following his performance, Silveira answered questions from the audience. The event was a part of MU's Transgender Awareness, designed to spread awareness of transgender issues. - Campus welcomes new Amnesty International chapter

"Amnesty International is the most well-known and historic human rights organization in the world," according to Mizzou Amnesty's Facebook page. - MU hosts Transgender Awareness Program

Transgender Awareness, a series of events meant to raise awareness of the transgender community on campus and educate students, began Tuesday with the rocking vocals of Lucas Silveira of The Cliks. - MU honors armed forces during Veterans Week

With Veterans Day this week, groups around campus organized several activities for students to pay their respect to the men and women of the military, both past and present. - Residents accuse police of racial bias in civil rights suit

Three police officers pointed guns at two men sitting in their car listening to music while in possession of alcohol, and arrested them on charges of suspicious behavior and failure to follow verbal command. - Volunteering, Helping Others Decreases Substance Use in Rural Teens, MU Study Finds

A new study from the University of Missouri found that rural adolescents who engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering and helping others, are less likely to use substances as young adults. - Black Culture Awareness Week hosts variety of events

To give students, staff and Columbia residents a view of black culture and history, the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center is hosting Black Culture Awareness Week this week. - Students take part in Black Culture Awareness Week

Hundreds of students filled Conservation Auditorium on Monday to support their fellow students and celebrate the achievements of black artists as part of Black Culture Awareness Week. - Mizzou Climate: Asian Americans

According to "Rising to the Challenge of Conducting Research on Asian Americans in Higher Education," by Samuel Museus and Mitchell Chang, unlike the histories of other minorities in the United States, Asian-American history is rarely studied in the Midwest. - Medal of Honor recipient Giunta visits MU

On the night Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta would earn his Medal of Honor, the bullets that flew through the air seemed to outnumber the stars. - Girls, with dads in tow, bridge gender gap in hunting

With everything but her glasses covered in camouflage, 11-year-old Taylor Kemp hopped up and down in anticipation of her first time hunting. - Transgender Awareness: Nov. 8 - 17

Transgender Awareness Week is designed to generate positive dialogue and perspectives about the unique lives and challenges of Transgendered people at Mizzou and throughout the world. - MU Veterans Week: Nov. 6-11

The University of Missouri invites you to join us in honoring veterans and their commitment to their country. - 19th Annual Black Culture Awareness Week: Nov. 6-11

Join the University of Missouri Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center in a week-long exploration of the Black Culture Center with events and information about the history of the African American experience at MU. - MSA slates talk diversity in final debate

All three Missouri Students Association presidential slates were present for the final debate before voting opens Monday. - Bias-free Coalition focuses on diversity

The Bias-free Columbia Coalition has plans to bring in speakers from the Islamic Center and the Hispanic community to speak about how federal immigration policies affect policing. - Women, men still unequal in sports despite Title IX attempts

In the same amount of time it took the MU Athletics Department to address the cracked tennis courts, the department built a brand new men's and women's basketball facility from Sept. 2002 to Nov. 2004 with 104,074 bricks. This is a direct violation of Title IX, according to the MU Office of Equity website. - See this: Necessary Targets

The emotional journey of two women who travel to Bosnia - Multicultural Certificate sees increased pursuit

The program began as an initiative to promote diversity education and recognize students committed to taking courses outside their comfort zones. Students can qualify and apply for the certificate with the intention of completing approved courses or other applicable experiences. - SAHSA hosts weekend conference at MU

MU Skeptics, Atheists, Secular Humanists and Agnostics hosted a conference Friday and Saturday, featuring seven speakers throughout two days.
October
- Reformed skinhead endures agony to remove tattoos

Wherever he turned Widner was shunned — on job sites, in stores and restaurants. People saw a menacing thug, not a loving father. He felt like an utter failure. - A skinhead's journey from racism to redemption

For 16 years, Bryon Widner was a glowering, strutting, menacing vessel of hate — an "enforcer" for some of America's most notorious and violent racist skinhead groups. - Muslim Student Association guest speaker tackles fear of Shariah

The Muslim Student Organization hosted Haroon Moghul on Thursday night as the keynote speaker of Islam Awareness Week. Moghul spoke to MU students and Columbia residents about the prejudiced fears concerning Islamic law in a presentation titled, "Are you Afraid of Shariah?" - Mizzou Climate Series: Women of Color

The Women's Center hosted "Women of Color: A Discussion" on Tuesday for participants to talk about their experiences on campus. - Columbia hosts delegates from Chinese sister city

Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid led a ceremony Wednesday at City Hall to welcome delegates from the Laoshan District of Qingdao, in China. The delegation included Zhang Yongbo, Jiang Xinyun, Gao Hongliang, Li Xingshui, Liu Qiang and Qiu Shuoyan. - Applications Now Being Accepted for CDI Student Ambassadors Program

The Chancellor's Diversity Initiative (CDI) Ambassadors at the University of Missouri are a select group of dedicated students who represent the CDI. Application deadline is Dec. 1, 2011. - Religious, Spiritual Support Benefits Men and Women Facing Chronic Illness, MU Study Finds

Individuals who practice religion and spirituality report better physical and mental health than those who do not. To better understand this relationship and how spirituality/religion can be used for coping with significant health issues, University of Missouri researchers are examining what aspects of religion are most beneficial and for what populations. - Students, community celebrate 20th annual India Nite

The 20th annual India Nite brought together students and members of the Columbia community for an evening of Indian dance and music. - MU Celebrates Islam Awareness Week: Oct. 24-28, 2011

Join the University of Missouri Muslim Student Organization in a week-long exploration and celebration of Islamic faith on campus. - Faculty Council continues discussions on diversity course requirement

Faculty Council continued discussions on the proposed diversity course requirement and heard a report from the Missouri Association of Faculty Senates at its meeting Thursday. - MSA presidential slates address diversity in platforms

This is the second part in a series looking at the Missouri Students Association presidential slates and their platform positions. This article focuses on the candidates' positions on diversity. - Share the Dream, Live the Reality: 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Award, Call for Nominations

Established in 2007, the University of Missouri Martin Luther King, Jr. Award recognizes and affirms those in the Columbia community who have made significant tangible contributions in the areas of race relations, justice and human rights. - Multicultural Center Offers Diversity Train-the-Trainers Workshop

Are you searching for a training opportunity that will help you effectivily lead facilitated discussions on social justice issues? Sign up now for the winter semester Train-the-Trainers program on Saturday, November 12, 2011. - MU Researchers Identify Differences in Facial Characteristics of Children with Autism Compared to Typically Developing Children

he face and brain develop in coordination, with each influencing the other, beginning in the embryo and continuing through adolescence. - Blunt, McCaskill back bill to review, recognize Jewish WWI veterans

Missouri Sens. Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt are backing a bill that they said could provide recognition to some Jewish veterans from World War I. - MU Law School to Host Dispute Resolution Symposium

The University of Missouri School of Law and the MU Center for the Study of Dispute Resolution will host a dispute resolution symposium, "Border Skirmishes: The Intersection between Litigation and International Commercial Arbitration." - Chinese Americans Don't Over Borrow, MU Study Findes

Bad mortgage loans and rampant consumer debt were two of the primary causes for the recent economic recession in the U.S. Despite a national trend of debt problems, a University of Missouri researcher has found one American population that holds almost no consumer debt outside of typical home mortgages. - Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication in Washington

Thousands of people honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at Sunday's formal dedication of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington. - Board of Curators to review possibility of domestic partner benefits

Faculty Council last week learned the University of Missouri Board of Curators has agreed to take up the issue of extending domestic partner benefits in its current health care plan for employees. - French, Spanish films bring foreign culture to MU students

Films are free and open to the public - Coming Out Week has many events to celebrate the LGBTQ community

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Resource Center is celebrating "coming out" with a week of events aimed at highlighting the challenges and rewards of coming out. - LBC Homecoming raises controversy on campus

Although they might not be meant to be separate, there are two homecomings at MU. The Alumni Association hosts one Homecoming celebration, and the Legion of Black Collegians and the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center hosts its own. - Racial bias data for Columbia police traffic stops inconclusive

Although data show the Columbia Police Department pulls over blacks more often than whites relative to their proportion of the population, it is still unclear whether there is bias in the police department. - New Sacred Heart pastor doing double duty, with grace

While celebrating Mass, he smiles at another priest giving a homily, the cantor singing a responsorial psalm, members of the parish as he meets their eyes. - MU Signs Academic Agreement With K.S.R. Educational Institutions of India

University of Missouri officials announced today a five-year agreement with K.S.R. Educational Institutions of India that will promote advanced research and training in nanomedicine and nanotechnology. - Honor Drive raises $1,500 for veterans from 75 participants

Honor Drive is a fundraising event held for Central Missouri Honor Flight, which flies World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans from mid-Missouri to Washington D.C. Around 54 vehicles were part of the drive, which was far below organizers' expectations. - MCI forum addresses Homecoming controversy

In response to students' questions and concerns, the Missouri Students Association's Multicultural Issues Committee held an open forum Tuesday night to address the Legion of Black Collegians' and the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center's Homecoming events and its relationship, or lack thereof, with the Mizzou Alumni Association's Homecoming activities. - Freshman spearheads effort to bring Autism speaks chapter to campus

For Alyssa Weeks, raising money for autism research hits close to home. Her younger brother, 13, is living with autism - Love Your Body Day encourages positive thinking

The Love Your Body Committee worked with the Women's Center, Kappa Delta and other organizations to make Love Your Body Day, held at Lowry Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., possible. Each organization had a booth set up to help spread information and awareness to help those who have a negative body image. - Organization for Homeless Veterans Receives Grant with Help from MU Students

Recently, students in the MU Truman School of Public Affairs new Grant Writing Program (GWP) helped Welcome Home, Inc. — a nonprofit organization that offers assistance to homeless veterans — research, write and submit an application for a grant. - Yom Kippur, Jewish Holiday, Oct. 7-8, 2011

Yom Kippur - also known as the Day of Atonement - is one of the most important Jewish holy days of the Jewish year - Homecoming, religious holiday conflict leaves Jewish teen in tough spot

As a cheerleader and a candidate for Homecoming queen, Davis is expected to be there. But Friday evening is also the observance of the beginning of Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest and most important holiday. - Online Housing Discrimination Primarily Done by Roommate-Seekers, Based on Familial Status, MU Study Finds

As more and more people use websites like Craigslist to find roommates and advertise apartment vacancies, the opportunities increase for housing discrimination law violations. - Rock Against Rape hits The Shack

The Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center hosted its annual Rock Against Rape concert Friday at The Shack. The event featured several live bands as well as poetry reading and ballet. - Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin: a sign of hope

Matlin is a deaf Oscar-winning actress, author and activist. She spoke to a full Jesse Auditorium on Tuesday night as part of MU's Celebrate Ability Week, sharing the story of the barriers she had to conquer to become successful. The speech was done through sign language, projected behind her as her interpreter, Jack Jason, verbalized the speech. - Celebrate Ability Week begins with open house

Celebrate Ability Week began with an adaptive golf demonstration and MU wheelchair basketball open house Monday in the Student Recreation Complex. Students were exposed to the athletic accommodations that enable people who are handicapped to play golf and basketball. - JSO holds celebratory dinner for Rash Hashanah

In celebration of the Jewish new year, the Jewish Students Organization held a dinner before sermon and other traditions. - 2011 CROP Hunger Walk brings community together to overcome poverty

Almost 100 people, some with red stop signs, swarmed downtown Columbia on Sunday — but they were not stopping. They were going, and they kept going for 2.5 miles in a movement to overcome poverty in the world.
September
- Celebrate Awareness Week: Oct 3-7, 2011

The annual week-long commemoration was established at MU in 2010 as part of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. - Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc. explores death penalty questions

Jamal Andress, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc. Zeta Chapter Historian, did not provide answers. He did, however, provide questions. As the facilitator of Wednesday's "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" event at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, Andress presented and facilitated a discussion centered on the execution of Troy Davis. - Struble finds new home as LGBTQ Resource Center Coordinator

Struby Struble seems to always be on the move. After graduating in 2004, she moved to Spain. A year later, she was back at MU working as a support staff member for the social justice centers on campus. Shortly after, she took over as the center's adviser. After a year in charge, she stepped down to pursue soccer dreams in San Francisco, until last year, when she came back as a social justice support staff member. - Upcoming Citizen Jane Film Festival has creative niche

Citizen Jane's goal is to increase the number of women working in film and expand their opportunities in the the field. - Flag ceremony brings countries together

MU International Day kicked off with a flag ceremony which paraded around campus from Memorial Student Union back around to Lowry Mall. The day also consisted of a speech and food and crafts exhibition. - MU Study Finds Promising Drug Treatment for Improving Language, Social Function in People with Autism

Most drug therapy interventions for people with autism have targeted psychiatric problems, including aggression, anxiety and obsessive behavior. - Art for Autism allows artists to communicate without words

Paul Backes, 14, has been drawing since he can remember. Every day, Backes, who has high-functioning autism, meticulously creates illustrations of places, such as the Tiger Hotel and Jesse Hall, from memory. - Young Columbia filmmakers participate in Citizen Jane Film Academy

These leading ladies use their passion to confront gender gaps in the film industry. - Children with Autism Benefit from Early, Intensive Therapy

More intense treatment better improves social and communication skills - MBWI hosts week of events to build "successful sisterhood:

Mizzou Black Women's Initiative began its Building our Successful Sisterhood week last night with a presentation on the principles of professionalism. - Four Front spends weekend bonding, learning at retreat

Members of the Four Front umbrella organization spent the weekend getting to know one another at a retreat. Four Front is an organization that brings together leaders from MU's social justice organizations to discuss campus issues. - Pagan Pride Day strives to educate, promote tolerance

Paganism is an umbrella term for earth-based, polytheistic religions. - Rosh Hashanah, Jewish Holiday, Sept. 28-30, 2011

The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, September 28th and concludes at sundown on Friday, September 30th. - Lower Turnover Rates, Higher Pay for Teachers Who Share Race with Principal, MU Study Shows

With ever-declining budgets, education administrators across the nation have been struggling for years with an increasing teacher turnover rate. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that race may play a role in teacher turnover. - Billingsley presents presidential platform at LBC meeting

A little more than a week after officially announcing his campaign, Missouri Students Association presidential candidate Xavier Billingsley presented his platform to the Legion of Black Collegians during the group's senate meeting Wednesday night. The presentation marked the candidate's first time presenting his platform to the influential student council. - Latino fraternity Lambda Theta Phi seeks MU chapter

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., has contacted the Office of Greek Life about chartering a chapter at MU. Lambda Theta Phi became the country's first Latino fraternity in 1975 and later became the first Latino fraternity recognized by the North-American Interfraternity Conference. - New civil rights organization hopes to fill mid-Missouri's ACLU void

A new civil rights organization for Missouri is becoming formalized after a group of activists decided there was a need for a "truly statewide" organization. - Columbia police, community members discuss reducing racial bias

Community and public safety representatives met Tuesday at the Daniel Boone City Building to discuss reducing racial bias in the Columbia Police Department. - Allowing Native Language in School Benefits Mexican-American Students, MU Researcher Finds

A new University of Missouri study shows that Mexican-American students who identify and practice speaking their native language have higher grades than those who are put in English-only environments in their schools. - Award for Excellence in Short-term Study Abroad Programming

The MU Study Abroad Advisory Council (SAAC) is seeking nominations for an award to recognize faculty and staff members who demonstrate excellence in developing and leading short-term study abroad programs. Deadline for nominations: September 26, 2011. AWARD FEATURES: Recipients participate in campus activities promoting excellence in short-term study abroad programs. Recipients receive professional development funds in the amount of $1,500. Recipients receive an engraved plaque and permanent recognition on a plaque in the International Center. - MU Student Anti-Human Trafficking Organization Presents Documentary and Panel Discussion

MU Stop Traffic and the Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition will present, "Fatal Promises," a documentary about human trafficking. A panel discussion with Kat Rohrer, the director of the documentary, and representatives of local anti-human trafficking efforts will follow the film screening. - MU Students Embrace Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle

Study Abroad Program Takes Students to France, Greece and Italy to Learn the Importance of Eating Locally Produced Food and Incorporating Physical Activity into Daily Routines - Group hosts 12-hour Pray without Ceasing event

Prayer at Mizzou hosted its first 12-hour Pray Without Ceasing event Saturday in the old Artisan building downtown. Senior and Prayer at Mizzou member Courtney Cain said the group has been fully functional for four years. - Honoring old traditions at Columbia's Heritage Festival

Colorful characters provided a history lesson unlike those learned in school at Columbia's Heritage Festival on Sept. 17 and 18. Vox talked to three passionate people working to preserve the lost arts and honor old traditions. - Law professor speaks on discriminatory housing ads online

"I'm a 30-year old Caucasian male who loves hip-hop, Volkswagens, and Asian women, not necessarily in that order. By Profession I am an engineer, and by faith a Jew." Posting this kind of roommate advertisement on Craigslist might bring a lawsuit according to the Fair Housing Act, MU School of Law associate professor Rigel Oliveri said. - MU Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15-Oct 15, 2011

The Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) and Multicultural Center provide programs ranging from a Dance Club learning experience with styles like salsa to featured presentations, movies and more. - A conversation with Mahir Khan: Practicing Muslims appreciate services offered by Mizzou

Mahir Khan, vice president of the Muslim Student Organization at MU, doesn't want to brag, but he knows Middle Eastern food is quality munching. Especially when rice, Sriracha hot chili sauce and yogurt sauce are mixed together. The combination, according to Khan, is "the greatest thing ever." - Christian college students practice faith outside church services

A small group of college students push two tables together at the Heidelberg for dinner on a Tuesday evening. They're picking at fries and finishing their sodas and beers as a priest arrives and joins them. He takes a seat, Catechism in hand. - Religious Playlist

Some musicians might not be religious but are inspired by the spiritual concepts that surround them. Check out the music this inspiration can create with a playlist that references some of the world's major religions. - Event raises money, awareness for anti-human trafficking orgs

The Central Missouri Stop Trafficking Coalition and MU's Stop Traffic organization co-sponsored the second "Freedom by Fashion" event Sunday. The event, held in Jesse Auditorium, centered around a fashion show featuring student and locally designed fair trade clothing. - Director hopes MU Hillel becomes destination spot for Jewish students

The new director of MU Hillel is already using his experience to organize a trip to Israel for Jewish students to explore their heritage. - 9/11: Gathering at Islamic Center promotes understanding

Community members of different faiths gathered in the Islamic Center of Central Missouri Sunday to memorialize the victims of 9/11. Religious leaders as well as Mayor Bob McDavid shared their perspectives on the 10th anniversary of the national tragedy. - Osama Yanis' name nearly shattered his American dream

After becoming a U.S. citizen nearly 20 years ago, Jordanian immigrant Osama Yanis never could have imagined a day where the "land of the free" wasn't so free.As the devastation of Sept. 11 occurred, the Columbia business owner knew his life would change forever as the world broke out in fear. Ten years later, Yanis still feels the pain of betrayal from some people just because of his name: Osama. - Faculty Council discusses diversity requirement, performace funding

Faculty Concil reopened its discussion on a proposed diversity course requirement and talked about the possibility of performance funding in Missouri in its first meeting of the year. - MU Appoints Interim Diversity Officer, Remains Committed to Promoting Diversity on Campus

MU Deputy Chancellor Mike Middleton has named Noor Azizan-Gardner as interim Chief Diversity Officer for the University of Missouri. As chief diversity officer, Azizan-Gardner will head the Chancellor's Diversity Initiative (CDI) and provide leadership, consultation and support to enhance diversity at MU. - Drum major leads M2 despite visual impairment

As junior Paul Heddings stands atop a podium in the Marching Mizzou practice field, he conducts the band with confidence. - Project United created as MU diversity initiative

The organization will specifically focus on strengthening communication within the student body. Beginning Feb. 1, Hump Day Holla will provide students with a friendly environment to participate in learning conversations, which are enlightening discussions, with others from different social and cultural backgrounds each Wednesday. - Black Enrollments Surge at the University of Missouri

The number of students from underrepresented minority groups climbed from 3,951 in 2010 to 4,480 this year, an increase of 13.4 percent. The number of minority students and minority freshmen are also all-time records at the university. - Freedom by Fashion Raises Funds to End Human Trafficking

Sponsored by MU Stop Traffic and the Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition, the event also will include a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds will go toward ending human trafficking and helping victims. - Artist uses her heritage as inspiration for activist work

With her pale complexion, Sydney Pursel might not look Native American, but her artwork speaks on behalf of her heritage. Pursel, 23, is half American Indian — her father is of the Ioway tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. Her heritage fuels her artistic inspiration as she strives to defend her culture and provoke thoughts that question perceptions about American Indians. - Three Columbia residents share strong ties with Libyan rebels

Ahmed El-Tayash of Columbia, who visited Libya in May and June, was shocked at the change he saw in the nation of his father's birth. He last went to Libya in 2003, when Moammar Gadhafi still held the grip of power over the people. - Columbia United Church of Christ to introduce a new service

Columbia United Church of Christ will introduce a new type of Saturday worship service beginning Sept. 17. Currently, the church has a traditional service held on Sunday mornings. The Rev. Steve Swope plans to introduce The Welcome Place, a more relaxed, discussion-type service held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays - LBC hosts third annual Freshman Action Team Week

This week was the third annual Freshman Action Team Week put on by the Legion of Black Collegians. LBC president Whitney Williams said the Freshman Action Team is its own organization made up of freshman who want to be involved on campus. FAT elects a president, vice president and other positions. FAT Week is a week of activities that seeks to get freshmen involved with the team - Done with the past, One Mizzou looks to the future

"Big plans for this year are to hash out what we want One Mizzou to be and what we want it to be in the future," Williams said. "We're trying to build a foundation so it'll be around for 10, 15 years and is more than a T-shirt or brand and a logo. So, now we're building foundations and next semester we may do an event, but we just want to do the events that are already happening on campus that are already culturally diverse that would be good for students to go to that they might not be aware of." - Column: One Mizzou lacks a voice

One thing remains unanswered from last semester — what the hell is One Mizzou?
August
- International Muslim students celebrate Ramadan's end far from their homes, families

It was 95 degrees during Maria Al-Jishi's first week as an MU student, and she couldn't even have a drink. - PHOTO GALLERY: Faithful celebration commemorates the breaking of Ramadan

MU's Muslim Student Organization celebrates the beginning of the fall semester and the breaking of Ramadan on Wednesday in the Mark Twain Ballroom in the Memorial Union. - Change in domestic violence law eases orders of protection

A new law went into effect Sunday that makes it easier for victims of domestic violence to be protected from their abusers. - Eid-Al-Fitr or Celebrating the Fast Aug. 30-Sept 1

The three-day festival commonly known as the "Eid", marks the end of Ramadan for practicing Mulsims. - MBMI hosts first annual My 5K Fun Run

A 5K run hosted by the Mizzou Black Men's initiative took participants past several Columbia landmarks. But the goal of the run itself was to fund the group's trip to a major national landmark — Washington, D.C. - Graduate School Profiles Michael Butler, Masters student in Public Affairs

Michael Butler believes in fairness, he has from a very young age. He said he remembers the instant he realized there should be justice in the world. That moment is stitched into his memory like the stitching on the baseball that created it. - LGBTQ Resource Center hosts Queer Fall Fling

The LGBTQ Resource center hosted it's annual Queer Fall Fling Thursday with free food, games and socializing for anyone interested. - CDS creates options for students celebrating Ramadan

Ramadan, an important holiday for Muslims and characterized by a month-long fast during daylight hours, began July 31 and continues until Aug. 29. For Muslim students across the MU campus, however, partaking in the traditional holiday presents one key issue: finding food after sundown. - International student enrollment grows 13 percent

These students come from more than 100 different countries. This fall brought an increase of these students, with 81 freshmen or first-time college attendees and an overall total of 1,846 non-resident international student - AAA welcomes new students with UnificAsian 2011: New Directions

The Asian American Association hosted its fifth annual UnificAsian event 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday in Memorial Union" - Anthropology museum highlights Japanese art

The exhibit showcases the high regard that feudal Japanese society held for archers and archery, reflecting the evolution of the sport from a primitive survival skill to an art form known as kyudo, which means "the way of the bow." - Two recent appointees bring more diversity to Board of Curators

Six of the nine members of the UM System Board of Curators all fit the same profile. They're men, and they're white. But, recent appointments indicate a change in the makeup of the board. David Steward, serving District 2 since earlier this year, is black. Friday, Gov. Jay Nixon appointed a second woman to the board, Pamela Henrickson, a lawyer from Jefferson City. - Student Parent Center looks to expand, pending survey results

The Student Parent Center and ParentLink have recently posted an online survey in order to find out if the needs of student parents at MU are being met. - Are you still looking for a class this semester? Check out the new Women and Gender Studies Class 3004: Gender and Sexuality in Asian America

The fundamental premise of this class is that gender and sexuality are not only important in shaping the individual or communal history and social experiences of ethnic or racialized groups in the United States or act as mere lenses in which to understand how certain subjectivities and communities, in this case, Asian Americans are socially and politically constructed, but gender and sexuality are fundamental to the very ways in which ethnic/racialized communities come into being (which is also through political and social processes that are also gendered and sexualized). - Stephens Lake Park beach to become accessible to wheelchairs

The beach at Stephens Lake Park will soon be wheelchair-accessible after a concrete ramp is installed. - Step Forward Day provides community service opportunities for MU students

Step Forward Day is a traditional one-day community service event that allows students to become more integrated into the community. This is the ninth year for Step Forward Day. By getting connected with volunteer opportunities with different non-profit organizations, MU students can get off campus and get some real-world experience in other parts of the city. - 'Portrait of a Sister City' photo exhibit debuts Wednesday

The photos portray the life and work of people in the city of Suncheon, South Korea, the first of Columbia's sister cities to be featured in a show. The exhibit will be displayed at the lobby of the historic Daniel Boone Building from Aug. 18 through mid-November. The lobby is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Access Arts celebrates 40th anniversary with events open to public

Access Arts kicked off its 40th anniversary Aug. 1 with a series of events open to the public that will continue until October. - Campus Eastern Foods asked to find a new location

Within weeks, Campus Eastern Foods will move a few blocks north. The store has occupied a space on Locust Street next to the mosque for more than 25 years. - GEORGE KENNEDY: Race, class and politics in First Ward reapportionment

"It's a matter of geography, pure and simple." That's what Bob Pugh said to me last week when I commented on the challenges faced by the Ward Reapportionment Committee he chairs. He said it with a straight face. - Gay rights activist Marc Adams gives presentation in Columbia

In front of more than 40 people, author and gay rights activist Marc Adams returned to Columbia after two years to give his "Hope Needs Only Hands Hearts" presentation at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Wednesday. - Muslim holy month of Ramadan runs through August 29, 2011

The Islamic month of Ramadan began at sunset on Sunday July 31 and runs through sunset on August 29. Ramadan signifies the revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad; and is marked as a time to focus on faith through fasting and prayer for observant Muslims. Fasting is broken at night with prayer, reading of the Qur'an and a meal called the iftar. - Taiwanese artist's watercolors blend traditional scenes and modern techniques

When Mary Pixley discovered a series of watercolors by the late Taiwanese artist Ran In-Ting in the MU Museum of Art and Archaeology's collection, she was struck by their beauty. - Ramadan begins, some children join parents in daily fasting

When Columbia Muslims woke up about 4 a.m. Monday to eat an early breakfast, they knew there would be no food or drink for them until sundown 16 hours later.
July
- Cuban Ediciones Vigía books are handmade works of art

MU Spanish literature professor Juanamaria Cordones-Cook owns an extensive collection of Cuban books known as the Ediciones Vigía; they come in all shapes, sizes and colors and double as works of art. - MU Study Pairs Military Veterans and Shelter Dogs To Ease Transition Home for Veterans; Train Shelter Dogs To Be More Adoptable

Of the 2 million United States Service members that have been in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's estimated that up to 50 percent experience combat-related issues ranging from substance abuse to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Now, a University of Missouri professor is conducting a unique study that will give military veterans a "training buddy" to help them cope while helping shelter dogs become more adoptable. The Central Missouri Humane Society is supplying the dogs involved in the study. - Korean barbecue restaurant KUI brings traditional cuisine to downtown Columbia

A traditional Korean barbecue restaurant, KUI, "grilled meat" in Korean, has opened for business in downtown Columbia. - Islamic Center of Central Missouri plans expansion

The Islamic Center of Central Missouri, which has seen its congregation grow over the last decade, hopes to expand its facility at 201 S. Fifth St. The center has filed a preliminary plan with the city to include a two-story school complex; a four-story, 27-apartment complex; a gymnasium; and a kitchen. - Columbia Farmers' Market hosts international welcoming day

Refugee and Immigrant Day, sponsored by Sustainable Farms and Communities, is a formal welcome and introduction to the locally-grown food offered at the farmers market. - MU Study Identifies Protective Factors that Help Women Recover from Childhood Violence

Kim Anderson, associate professor in the MU School of Social Work, found that women are less likely to suffer from PTSD if they are more resilient, or better able to overcome adversity. In regard to childhood protective factors that increase adult resilience, Anderson found that mothers who were employed full-time had a positive influence on their children's recovery from witnessing domestic violence. - Maneater Editorial: Now is not the time to take diversity lightly

Incoming students, beware: You're moving into residence hall next month, and your roommate, hall neighbors and classmates are going to be nothing like you. They'll be from the crime-ridden city, a closed-minded suburban neighborhood or the "middle of nowhere." - Centro Latino Reaches New Audience

Leaders at Centro Latino said Wednesday they are working on a new location to reach new clients. The original outreach for the organization was to the Latino community in Columbia. Now, with the new location under construction on Garth Avenue, program director Eduardo Crespi said the potential to serve has expanded. - Women's and Gender Studies Department creates targeted teaching opportunitites

A growing student interest in Women's and Gender Studies has caused the department turn to nontraditional teaching positions in recent semesters. Women's and Gender Studies is one of the fastest growing majors on campus and nationwide, according to the National Women's Studies Association via Jessica Jennrich, the department's former advising, curriculum and programming director. - Alumnus pushes for creation of an MU Veteran Alumni Group

MU alumni who served in the military might soon have a new group to network with. Retired Army SMG Richard Grant is leading a movement to create a new organization: the MU Veteran Alumni Club. This club would provide benefits to veterans if it becomes a recognized MU alumni group. A Facebook page with the same name was created to gain attention and garner a following.
June
- New York Governor Signs Law Approving Gay Marriage

New York will become the sixth and most populous U.S. state to allow gay marriage. State senators voted 33-29 on Friday evening to approve marriage equality legislation and Cuomo, a Democrat who had introduced the measure, signed it into law. - Columbia residents celebrate the 146th anniversary of Juneteenth at Douglass Park

Union Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, 146 years ago Sunday to declare that the Civil War had ended and that those who were enslaved were emancipated. - Columbian describes his country's dance culture

Jimmy A. Murillo Mina is from Colombia, South America, and started dancing when he was 13 years old. He says he loves the dance because "it is how to meet the souls of our ancestors, the way we feel how they lived and we see how they taught the costumes, legends and traditions from generation to generation." - Families gather to celebrate World Refugee Day in Columbia

Piles of home-cooked meals quickly disappeared outside of Broadway Christian Church on Saturday afternoon, their tantalizing smells evaporating as families from nations worldwide came together to celebrate their former refugee status. - Mizzou adds to impressive Fulbright record

Six University of Missouri students will have the opportunity to study, teach and research in different areas around the globe after being awarded the U.S. State Department's Fulbright Scholarships for 2011-12. These six individuals add to MU's success with the prestigious award. - Visiting scholar from China shares pride in her country

Ping Luo is a visiting scholar in civil engineering at MU. She enjoys living in Columbia with her son, a student at Rock Bridge High School. She is an ESL student at the Adult Learning Center. - Missouri Special Olympics Summer Games to return to Columbia

With the help of Missouri Special Olympics Chairman Randy Boehm, Krogmann announced Thursday that Columbia will host the Missouri Special Olympics State Summer Games each of the next four summers, keeping the games here until 2015. - Worthington Leaves MU Diversity Post

For more than 10 years working on campus-wide diversity issues, Dr. Worthington has been committed to serving the best interests of the university by increasing awareness of diversity issues at MU. - Mid-Missouri PrideFest brings diversity downtown

The largest Mid-Missouri PrideFest to date filled downtown with music, food, events and community acceptance on Sunday. Approximately 3,000 people from all walks of life gathered near the intersections of Sixth and Elm streets to see what each of the 44 booths had to offer. - Faculty Council meets to discuss diversity course requirement

Faculty Council is taking a step back to re-examine the diversity intensive course requirement proposal after it was voted down in May, a result many council members were not expecting. The council met Thursday to discuss how to proceed with the proposal, and what might have hindered its initial passage. - PrideFest returns to downtown Columbia for second year

PrideFest is a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ally community. The event is held annually in major cities across the country - Health Care Providers Need Training to Recognize Signs of Domestic Violence, Says MU Nursing Professor

Despite billions of dollars spent on health care each year, the United States ranks 27th out of 33 developed countries for life expectancy at birth. Leading causes of infant mortality are complications related to pre-term birth or low birth weight-outcomes that have been linked with domestic violence. A University of Missouri researcher says a key factor in addressing this issue is preventing violence against mothers and children. - Federal Welfare Programs Can Have Negative Effects on Children's Cognitive Scores, MU Researchers Find

The United States federal government supports many welfare and entitlement programs that attempt to eliminate poverty by providing financial assistance to families in need. Now, a researcher at the University of Missouri has found that requirements for some of these welfare programs can create stress on families, which can have a negative effect on young children. - Tai Chi Could be Key to Overcoming Cognitive Effects of Chemotherapy, MU Researcher Finds

Previous studies have indicated that a significant number of patients who receive chemotherapy also experience cognitive declines, including decreases in verbal fluency and memory. Now, one University of Missouri health psychologist has found evidence that indicates Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art, might help overcome some of those problems. - Cuba libros: Spanish professor collects series of handcrafted Cuban books

Juanamaria Cordones-Cook, professor of Spanish and researcher of Afro-Hispanic literature, has helped assemble Mizzou's Ediciones Vigía collection, a series of handcrafted books from Cuba. - One Read aims to provoke discussion, promote community among readers

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot has taken the win as the book of choice for the 10th annual One Read program, coordinated by Daniel Boone Regional Library. - College of Engineering seeks increased female involvement in STEM programs

MU has embraced a nationwide effort to increase the percentage of women participating in the fields of science, technology, math and engineering. - Social justice student organizations in arms over diversity course failure

After the proposed diversity course requirement failed in May, Faculty Council Chairwoman Leona Rubin sent an email to some of MU's student leaders, where she promised the vote wasn't the end of the push for a diversity intensive course requirement
May
- Student Veterans: Eleven MU students talk about life after the military

520 students at MU belong to a tightknit group of military veterans, many of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Returning to a campus community can be difficult after facing combat and death. These 11 veterans share their experiences from working on a ship in the Persian Gulf to maintaining aircraft in Iraq. - Achievement gap in Columbia Public Schools to be discussed on Intersection

Nearly four in 10 Columbia Public School students live at or below the poverty level. For black students, that number is almost eight in 10. Since 2006, the number of children who qualify for free or reduced price lunches has gone up 25 percent. - New RJI venture to expand and enhance coverage of religion nationwide

A new nonprofit news collaboration with the Missouri School of Journalism and its Reynolds Journalism Institute will work to create models for local religion news sites and expand quality religion news across the globe. - New Smith/Patterson Fellow to Focus Her Health and Science Journalism on Poverty Issues in India, China and Africa

Shraddha Sankhe of Mumbai, India, will bring her global experience in health and science journalism to the Missouri School of Journalism as she begins her Smith/Patterson Fellowship for the 2011-2012 year. She is the first international student to receive this honor. - Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball Team Welcomes Two Recruits

Joe Dixon, a high school senior from Lakeville, Minn., and Robert Doyle, a high school senior from Eden Prairie, Minn., are the newest members of the Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball Team. - Faculty shoot down diversity course requirement

Just when it was looking as if the diversity intensive course requirement was going to see the light of day, its proposal hit yet another hindrance Friday afternoon after the results of a faculty vote on the issue surfaced. - Editorial: Same-sex partner benefits more than optional

Debate about the need for domestic partnership benefits for UM System employees is nothing new. The matter has been discussed for years here at MU, both at the student level and among faculty, and the implementation of such benefits at other universities has been on the rise. - JSO honors victims at Holocaust Remembrance Week

The Jewish Student Organization brought light to the past with Holocaust Remembrance Week. - Faculty asks students to support domestic partner benefits

A petition on Change.org addressing same-sex domestic partner benefits for employees on MU campuses recently emerged. - Groups celebrate, 'rock the park' for National Day of Prayer

The national event, held the first Thursday of May, dates to 1952, when Congress passed a joint resolution declaring a national day of prayer. - Catalyst Awards recognize individuals for speaking up for the LGBTQ community

The 13th annual Catalyst Awards commenced Tuesday evening in Stotler Lounge. - Musicians entertain, spread social justice at Global Sounds Music Festival

Musicians with global influences raised awareness about social issues through music at the Global Sounds Music Festival on Saturday. - NAACP Image Awards present nine honors

The seventh annual National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Image Awards presented nine awards in the Reynolds Alumni Center on Sunday night. This awards ceremony recognized minority students, staff, faculty and organizations that contributed to MU’s campus and the Columbia community. - Runners push through rain at Mizzou for Malawi race

Since 2008, Mizzou for Malawi has been working in conjunction with the Global Orphan Project to raise enough funds to transform Salima, Malawi into a self-sustaining village.
April
- Community celebrates life of lynching victim James T. Scott

The ones who remembered the lynching did not speak of it. They carried the memories for years — through marriages and children and careers and death. - Taiwanese Student Association celebrates centennial

Members of the Taiwanese Student Association gathered Tuesday on Lowry Mall, played games and ate traditional food to celebrate 100 years. - Students wear jeans to commemorate Denim Day, promote sexual assault awareness

Denim's a timeless fashion staple. But Thursday, it was also a social statement. MU’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center sponsored Denim Day as part of Sexual Assault Awareness month - Gender-neutral housing resolution debated

The organizations present were the Residence Hall Association, the Graduate Professional Council, the Legion of Black Collegians, Four Front, the Panhellenic Association and the Interfraternity Council. - MU professor brings closure to Scott case

Clyde Ruffin, chair of MU’s Department of Theatre, first learned of James Scott when he read an undergraduate thesis by Patrick Huber, now an associate professor of history at Missouri University of Science and Technology. - MU Cambio Center Enhances Missourians’ Welfare by Easing the Transition of Immigrants into Rural Communities

Latinos have been the fastest growing immigrant population in America for several decades. As more and more Latino immigrants move into all regions of the U.S., including the Midwest, local communities face many cultural, political, and economic hurdles when trying to successfully adapt and integrate the newcomers. - MU to Host Emmett Till's Relatives and Eyewitnesses of Murder

The University of Missouri will welcome Simeon Wright and Wheeler Parker, Jr., on Wednesday, April 27 to discuss the events leading to the murder of their relative, Emmett Till, as well as the trial and Civil Rights Movement. - MU Facebook post on Pride Month keynote speaker elicits controversy

Scholar and speaker E. Patrick Johnson will cover issues members of the black and Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer and Questioning community face for Pride Month's final event Tuesday. His lecture, titled “In Search of Countess Vivian: Queerness and the Making of Southern History,” was promoted on the "Mizzou" Facebook on Monday and sparked a heated discussion on the legitimacy of the event and on LGBTQ issues in general. - Asian American student organizations select future leaders

Senior Andrew Tsao was elected the next AAA President, following in the footsteps of senior Christyona Pham. Pham is leaving the helm of AAA to co-chair Four Front. - Black Love week closes with faculty dinner

Black Love Week, hosted by the Legion of Black Collegians, closed Friday evening with a dinner appreciating minority faculty. Saturday’s originally planned balloon release was cancelled due to weather concerns. - Plans for chapter of conservative women's group come to MU

Former Mizzou College Republicans Chairwoman Sophie Mashburn is planning to start a new conservative women’s group on campus next fall as a chapter of the Network of Enlightened Women, a national organization. Mashburn said the group will serve as a political book club and described it as an alternative group for conservative women on campus. - Court archives reveal Missouri slaves' fights for freedom

Kenneth Winn compared the find to something out of an Indiana Jones movie. For more than 150 years, the documents, folded into thirds and sealed with a red ribbon, were slowly covered in the dust of basement coal fires. - Easter services draw new and seasoned churchgoers

In the parking lot behind St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church on West Boulevard, about 40 people braved the early morning cold to attend a sunrise Easter service that began at about 6:30. - LGBTQ Resource Center coordinator leaving MU

After three years serving as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Resource Center coordinator, Ryan Black is leaving MU on April 29 and moving to Portland, Ore. - MU Introduces new international student fee

Increasing numbers of international students at MU and the need for more staff to work with them prompted the creation of a new fee specifically for international students this week. - MU Symposium to Focus on Georgina Herrera, Noted Cuban Writer

A symposium at the University of Missouri will bring international literary experts together to discuss the impact and writing of Georgina Herrera, a leading Afro-Cuban writer. Herrera and others were part of Cuba’s core of black women writers, who in the 1960s became prominent members of Havana’s Black Renaissance, a movement similar to the Harlem Renaissance in the United States. - Umar Cheema encourages journalists to fight for a cause

When he was growing up in Pakistan, Umar Cheema had ambitions of landing a prestigious government job. While he was waiting for that opportunity, he found work at a newspaper and never looked back. - Black, gay and southern

E. Patrick Johnson, professor of African American studies and chair of the Department of Performance Studies at Northwestern University, will perform an excerpt from “Pouring Tea: Black Gay Men of the South Tell Their Tales,” at 7:30 p.m. April 25, Rhynsburger Theatre. - MU's Global Impact

Students, faculty and staff who have extended the University of Missouri’s global reach will be honored with the 2011 MU International Engagement Awards. - LBC elections close Saturday

The Legion of Black Collegians will elect three new executive board members for the 2011-2012 academic year Saturday. - Religion Continues to Impact Voter Decision, MU Study Finds

Church attendance in western democracies has declined; yet, a new University of Missouri study shows religious beliefs still influence people at the polls. - MU Counseling Center to Host Mental Health Week

The week will consist of various events to help students, faculty members and members of the Columbia community recognize and ease mental stress, cope with grief and maintain positive attitudes. - Asian Street Market opens minds, mouths to culture

As students lined up on Lowry Mall for the Asian Street Market on Monday, they opened their minds to new facts about Asian countries and their mouths to new Asian delicacies. - Queer Monologues puts marginalized stories in spotlight

The performers in Sunday’s production of the “Queer Monologues” didn’t share the same stories, sexual orientation or amount of theatre background experience. What they did share is their desire to end discrimination for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning community. - Drag kings, queens sing for Pride Month

The crowd whooped and applauded as Britney Houston strutted across the stage of Allen Auditorium, shedding a blazer and white button-down to reveal a spaghetti-strap black dress. Mouthing the words to Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” she proceeded to shimmy on an audience member who had ventured up to the stage to give a dollar bill tip. - MSO brings speakers from Chicago, Brooklyn

The Muslim Student Organization hosted its spring conference, “Pursuits of this World — Beyond Material Gains,” over the past weekend, inviting speakers from Brooklyn and Chicago to talk to MSO members. - Art Project honors US soldiers

Junior Jessica Brown sent about forty toy soldiers tied to helium balloons into the air Wednesday on Carnahan Quadrangle. - Sing if Youre Glad to be Trans tackles stereotypes

Co-sponsored by Fluidity, the Love Your Body committee, Four Front and the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative, writer and theater artist S. Bear Bergman sought to break down transgender stereotypes Thursday at the MU Student Center. - Accessibility Fair shines light on problems students with disabilities face

If there was one thing organizers of Wednesday’s Accessibility Fair were trying to instill in participants, it was to not be afraid to ask about disabilities. “A lot of times, people want to know,” MU Student Exceptions President Allison Reinhart said. “But they’re afraid to ask.” - Wanted: Outstanding women faculty

The Committee for the Alumnae Anniversary Fund for Recognition of Faculty Women is now accepting nominations from MU students and alumnae for the 2011 faculty award. This award is given annually to an outstanding woman faculty member at the University of Missouri. - Maya Angelou stirs crowd with speech at Jesse Hall

Angelou spoke for about an hour and a half Thursday night at Jesse Hall, primarily about college students and how they should use the knowledge they receive to tear down the “walls of ignorance.” - Truman Scholar Kam Phillips opens the world to Columbia kids

When Kam Phillips came to Mizzou, community service became an even larger part of her life. She began volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club in Columbia and soon saw a way she could make a difference in the children’s lives. - Eastern Missouri ACLU hosts first Muslim Date at Capitol

The event was organized by the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri Muslim Rights Task Force in response to several bills that have been brought up in the Statehouse regarding foreign law. - Gender-neutral housing backed by student government

A resolution supporting the implementation of gender-neutral housing passed through the Residence Halls Association Congress on Monday night. Although the resolution serves as a show of RHA's support for the program, the decision to give students a gender-neutral housing option lies with Residential Life. - MU 'Prays for Japan' earthquake victims

The Japanese Students Association raised more $7,000 as of Monday to give to the Japanese Red Cross Society in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan a month ago. - You in Mizzou discusses gender issues in final meeting

The Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative held its final You in Mizzou discussion of the academic year Wednesday. The discussion was titled “Transgender: Navigating the Gray Zone of Gender Identity.” - 'One Mizzou' diversity campaign unveiled

Plans for the campaign have been in motion since February, when a student was charged with painting a racially-charged graffiti message on a statue outside Hatch Hall. Since this incident, numerous student groups have been meeting weekly to plan this campaign. - MU to Announce Confucius Institute

University of Missouri officials and dignitaries from China will announce the opening of a Confucius Institute on the MU campus. The institute is a platform to promote greater understanding between Missouri and China through Chinese language teaching and learning, resident Chinese teacher preparation, Missouri-China business relationships, and research on issues of mutual interest. - MU School of Social Work Forum to Examine Issues Faced by Low-Income Women

Low-income women face unique challenges associated with mental health and trauma. The University of Missouri School of Social Work will host a Spring Forum about this topic and its implications for social work. Kim Anderson and Martha Markward, associate professors of social work, will speak at the forum. - Refusal Skills help Minority Youths Combat Smoking, MU Study Finds

Youths identified as American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) have the greatest lifetime smoking rate of all racial groups, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Nearly half of the 1.2 million AI/AN youths in the U.S. smoke cigarettes. - April is MU Pride Month

While the United States honors Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride month annually in June, the University of Missouri has designated April as the occasion for commemoration and celebration. The LGBTQ Resource Center offers many programming activities throughout the month such as the Queer Monologues and Pride Prom. - April is Asian American Awareness Month!

MU observes Asian American Awareness in April with many opportunities for exploration into the Asian continent and Pacific Island cultures and traditions. Whether you choose to participate in Sweet Journey to Asia in Memorial Union, Rainbow Skies in Bethel Park, Stomp Out Stereotypes in Lowry Mall, or Paper Crane folding for Japan Relief Efforts in the Student Center, a variety of activities and opportunities are available to all.
March
- Unveiling of headstone for lynching victim James T. Scott set

The nondescript concrete marker that lies on James T. Scott's grave and serves as a reminder of an infamous part of Columbia's history will soon be removed.The James T. Scott Monument Committee met Monday night to wrap up the final details of an April 30 ceremony to unveil a new headstone for lynching victim James T. Scott. - 'One Mizzou' set to begin April 7

The "One Mizzou" campaign meant to celebrate diversity at MU is nearly ready for its launch date, Missouri Students Association President Eric Woods said. “Did I think that it would ever become this big?” Woods said. “No, I didn’t at all. I’m really proud of where it’s gone.” - Couple provides spiritual support to Spanish-speaking population of St. Joseph

When the Rev. Ben and Christine Haley moved to Ecuador as missionaries, they thought their lives forever after would be abroad. - Seven honored at MU women's history month tribute

The Tribute to MU Women recognized people who pursued women's rights in Missouri and on campus. - Female Journalists Offer Global Perspective on Profession

A forum in honor of International Women's Day was held Thursday at the Reynolds Journalism Institute. Five women discussed their experiences in an ever-changing field. - Hundereds flood Missouri Capitol in support of disability rights

Advocates arrived en masse at the Capitol building Wednesday for a rally in support of legislation that will expand the rights given to Missouri's citizens with disabilities. - Diversity course requirement gets green light from faculty

The product of years of debate and amendments, a diversity course requirement proposal passed through Faculty Council on Thursday. - MU alumna's sandals send Ugandan women to school

As soon as Liz Bohannon graduated from MU, she moved to Uganda. There she met a group of women who could only dream of the chance for a university education. The women were from impoverished areas of the country where many women were not able to make enough money to attend university. - Black Women Rock! hosts first black Homecoming queen

Rapper Missy Elliott and actress Raven-Symoné were honored in BET’s “Black Girls Rock!” program in November. Saturday evening, 26 Columbia and MU women were awarded the same honor at MU’s own adaptation, called “Black Women Rock!” - Former MU student and ABC reporter opened door for diversity

El-Buri, a radio-television graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, died of cancer Sunday, March 6, 2011. She was 26. Her success, openness and positive attitude at the Journalism School and at ABC News, where she was an investigative reporter, helped many understand her Islamic faith. - LBC takes 2 awards at Big XII Conference

The Legion of Black Collegians won two awards at the 34th Annual Big XII Conference on Black Student Government, held Feb. 24 through Feb. 27. - MU Offers Service-Oriented Spring Break Alternatives

MU students will serve marginalized populations around the nation on a variety of projects relating to issues such as HIV, food access and environmental conservation. - MU NAACP seeks zero-tolerance on hate crimes

n response to the racially-offensive graffiti message left in front of Hatch Hall in February, the MU National Association for the Advancement of Colored People started an online petition to add a zero-tolerance policy on hate crimes to the student conduct policy. - Faculty prep diversity course requirement for vote

Faculty Council discussed a modified version of the diversity course requirement proposal at its meeting Thursday. Recent changes included the addition of study abroad programs to fit the requirement and some specific changes in wording. - EXPERT AVAILABLE: Supreme Court Rules Correctly on Snyder v. Phelps, MU Expert Says

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in favor of Westboro Baptist Church protestors, saying they are within their First Amendment rights to protest at funerals. Christina Wells, the Enoch H. Crowder professor of law at the University of Missouri School of Law and a leading expert on funeral protests and freedom of speech cases, says there was no evidence of a physical disruption by the protesters, so the free speech rights had to be upheld. - Bill to protect parents with disabilities' child custody rights

Parents with disabilities will no longer have to worry about their disabilities costing them custody of their kids if several lawmakers have their way. - March is Women's History Month!

The University of Missouri offers programming for everyone through many avenues to promote women and their rich heritage on campus and around the world. - 'Fences' takes on racial issues

August Wilson’s play “Fences” tells the story of Troy Maxson, a hard-hearted former Negro Leagues star who struggles with the responsibilities of being a husband and a father. The show, set in the 1950s and ‘60s, is old from a generational standpoint but reaches deep into racial issues that are still sensitive today. - Conference on Black Student Government comes to a close

MU hosted the 34th annual Big XII Conference on Black Student Government on Thursday through Saturday. Student representatives attended the three-day leadership conference from universities across the Midwest, including all Big 12 schools
February
- Veterans sue MU over tuition dispute

A lawsuit filed against MU could change the application of the Returning Heroes Act, a statute designed to reduce tuition for combat veterans, on a statewide level. - Plans for 'One Mizzou' underway

In response to the Hatch Hall racist graffiti incident, student leaders met Tuesday to discuss the inception of the new “One Mizzou” campaign. - Hitting close to home

Chants demanding Libyan freedom from Moammar Gadhafi’s tyranny echoed from Speakers Circle early Wednesday afternoon. Although the conflict in Libya is playing out on the other side of the globe, the violence strikes a personal chord for some Columbia residents who once called Libya their home. - Gospel Extravaganza shares history, roots of music

Gospel music rang through Jesse Hall as the opening event of the 34th annual Big XII Conference on Black Student Government commenced Thursday night. - Census: Missouri minority population grows at faster pace

Missouri's racial minority population grew at a fast pace during the past decade largely because of an increase in Hispanic residents. - Law professors discuss hate crime at campus forum

Benjamin Elliott, the University of Missouri student arrested for allegedly spray-painting a racial slur on a sculpture in front of Hatch Hall, has been charged with a hate crime. But such charges rest on whether the accused intended to cause harm, not just offense. - Black Man's Think Tank asks 'Are you an activist or slacktivist?'

Growing complacency and a lack of activism within the student body were two of many issues addressed Monday at Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s discussion forum in response to the racist graffiti incident at Hatch. - 'Vagina Monologues' cast performs to 1,700

Women and men alike gathered Saturday in Jesse Auditorium to pay tribute to the one thing they all love: vaginas. Sponsored by Stronger Together Against Relationship and Sexual Violence and advised by the Women’s Center, Saturday’s performance of “The Vagina Monologues” is part of the college campaign of the larger V-Day worldwide movement, aimed to stop violence against women and girls. - 'China Night' at MU celebrates the Year of the Rabbit

Although two weeks have passed since the Chinese New Year, Columbia residents gathered to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at the fifth-annual “China Night” gala at Jesse Auditorium on Sunday night. - Faculty debate diversity course requirement

Faculty Council's overhaul of the general education curriculum culminated in a debate over a diversity course requirement Thursday. The proposed course requirement has caught the public's attention in the days since a racially-offensive graffiti message was painted on campus last week. - Res Life to promote diversity through videos

The Department of Residential Life plans to create a series of diversity-focused training videos for its staff, Residential Life Director Frankie Minor said. - Res Life to promote diversity through videos

The Department of Residential Life plans to create a series of diversity-focused training videos for its staff, Residential Life Director Frankie Minor said. - Bill would bar discrimination based on sexual orientation

A bill proposing an amendment to the Missouri Human Rights Act to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation was re-introduced to the Missouri House of Representatives last week. - LBC: Students need to be prozative in fighting racism

Representatives from several MU student organizations attended the Legion of Black Collegians senate meeting Wednesday night to discuss solutions for racism on campus. The meeting was initiated by the graffiti message containing a racial slur found outside Hatch Hall on Saturday. - MU Faculty Council members argue about diversity course requirement

The MU Faculty Council debated the diversity course requirement proposal at length Thursday but took no action. - Panel looks at racial history, legal process behind hate crime

Associate law professor David Mitchell says the racial slur written on a statue outside Hatch Hall struck a nerve because it reminded him of a history loaded with racial oppression. - Deaton hands down temporary suspension for graffiti suspect

Chancellor Brady Deaton temporarily suspended freshman Ben Elliott on Monday, two days after the MU Police Department arrested the student on suspicion of writing a racially-charged graffiti message outside Hatch Hall. - MU Students Promote Literacy, Cultural Pride Among African-Americans During Black History Month

The University of Missouri Association for Black Graduate and Professional Students (ABGPS) is promoting literacy and ethnic pride during the 2011 Black History Month through a new reading program. ABGPS members will kick off the initiative by reading to children in their classrooms while district teachers will read ethnic pride-themed books to their classes throughout February. - Hate-crime suspect told police he was drunk during incident

The MU student arrested in connection with racist graffiti outside a campus dormitory told a police officer he was drunk at the time and didn't remember what he did. - Task force's domestic violence to-do list prompts bills

Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, is about to introduce in the House one of two bills overhauling domestic violence laws for the first time in 30 years. To create bipartisan support for the bill, Rep. Ryan Silvey, R-Clay, will sponsor the other bill. - Police make arrest in Hatch Hall vandalism

MU police officers arrested a suspect in an incident of racially derogatory vandalism outside of Hatch Hall on Saturday night, about 12 hours after the vandalism was discovered. - MUPD investigates racially-charged graffiti message

MU Police Department Capt. Brian Weimer said the department has begun its investigation into the offensive language painted outside Hatch Hall in graffiti Saturday. Weimer said the department is unable to provide any additional details. - Legion of Black Collegians and MU NAACP's letters addressing the graffiti incident

The month February is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of leaders, activists, and professionals of African descent, it is unfortunate that the Legion of Black Collegians must take the time from this month celebrating our history, to address an act of ignorance that has occurred at the University of Missouri. - Message from the Chancellor: Hatch Hall Vandalism

Early this morning, Feb. 12, graffiti involving a racial slur was discovered on a sculpture in front of Hatch Hall. I speak for our university community when I say we are dismayed and deeply offended and have zero tolerance for this type of hurtful and destructive behavior - Loving Across Color Lines: A NEW Interracil Relationship Support Group

Are you currently in a relationship with someone of a different racial or ethnic background? Please join us Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 3:30 p.m. in the MU Student Center room 2212A for open and honest sharing about interracial dating/relationships. Find support and learn from others who may be having similar experiences. Questions? Contact Jennifer Smith at diversity@missouri.edu. - Egyption MU student reflect on protests in their home country

More than 6,000 miles away from their home country, two MU students from Egypt are closely watching the protests in Tahrir Square. - Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day advocates prevention

Throughout the past week, the Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative has been tweeting facts about AIDS and HIV in the black community. “Black Americans make up about 12 percent of the U.S. population, but account for half of all new AIDS cases,” a tweet from Monday read. - Taiwanese Student Association gathers for Lunar New Year

About 50 people gathered for dinner Sunday evening with the Taiwanese Student Association in Memorial Union to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This is the Year of the Rabbit, transitioning from the Year of the Tiger. - Filipino American Student Association volunteers at food bank

The Filipino American Student Association gathered Tuesday evening to volunteer at the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri - Missouri attorney general to discuss domestic violence

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster plans a series of news conferences to discuss his plans to strengthen the state's domestic violence protections. - Rescheduled event: You in Mizzou: Do Racial Stereotypes Still Exist Today?

Join "You in Mizzou" for free pizza, soda and dialogue: "Do Racial Stereotypes Still Exist Today?", on Tuesday, Feb. 22nd, 7 pm in S203 Memorial Union. You in Mizzou is a dialogue series for students, faculty and staff to explore diversity at MU first hand. Be ready to be challenged as we explore our differences and discover our similarities by discussing important critical current issues that matter. For more information please visit us at http://diversity.missouri.edu/ or search "You in Mizzou" on Facebook. Contact Yuan Gao at ygbvc@mail.missouri.edu or call the Chancellor's Diversity Initiative office at 882-2714. - No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act changed after public backlash

In stride with their promise to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the House Republican Majority introduced a bill to limit federal funding of abortions. - Black History Month 2011

The 2011 celebration of Black History Month at Mizzou offers entertainment and inspiration for history buffs, music lovers, cinephiles, poets and scholars.
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September
- Mizzou Black Men's Initiative hosts memorial walk

The Mizzou Black Men's Initiative hosted a memorial walk Sunday afternoon in honor of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks. More than 100 students walked in silence from the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center to Francis Quadrangle, where they then held a memorial service and prayer.
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October
- Coming Out Week 2011

Whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or a straight ally, we invite you to share your support and join the University of Missouri LGBTQ Resource Center in a week long celebration of our LGBTQ community.
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January
- Columbia man returns rare Native American artifact to Washington state museum

The coordinator of MU Toxicology discovered in 2008 that a rare Native American basket he had purchased for his personal collection was stolen from a museum of the Pacific Northwest Yakama tribe.
December
- Columbia following state trend with high black homicide rate

Missouri has the highest rate of black homicide in the U.S. per 100,000 population, and across the country blacks are murdered at a significantly higher rate than the national average, according to an analysis of 2009 FBI crime statistics by the national nonprofit, The Violence Policy Center.
February
- For Expert Comment: MU Counseling Expert Disagrees with Federal Court Ruling for Eastern Michigan Case

On Jan. 27, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ordered the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan to rehear the case of Julea Ward v. Eastern Michigan University, suggesting that the graduate program may have expelled Ward on the basis of her Christian faith rather than on the basis of professional standards.
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September
- Mizzou Black Women's Initiative Presents B.O.S.S. Week

September 26 marks the beginning of the Mizzou Black Women't Initiative B.O.S.S. Week (Building Our Succuessful Sisterhood) find out about activities and program offerings. - Multicultural Issues Committee, Office of Student Conduct work toward non-discrimination policy for UM System

The Office of Student Conduct and MSA hope to add this non-discrimination policy to MU's M-book
May
- A Growing Force: Read a Q-and-A with the 2013 Black Women Rock! coordinators.

Robbie Cox-Chatman, a senior business marketing major with a minor in black studies from St. Louis, and Sirrah Joof, a junior journalism major from Chicago, are co-coordinators of the third annual Black Women Rock!, an event held at MU each spring. - City of Columbia hosts event to inform people about fair housing

The city hosted a public meeting Monday evening to inform people about fair housing in Columbia and ways to respond to discrimination. - Students ask 'Jesus' questions in Speakers Circle mock

Students and spectators were given the chance to ask "Jesus" their questions in person on Speakers Circle on Wednesday afternoon. James Pflug, former president of MU's Skeptics, Athiests, Secular Humanists and Agnostics, dressed up as Jesus to answer questions from students. SASHA called it, "What Would Jesus Do? — Ask him yourself."
