Melissa Click, Suspended Mizzou Professor, Breaks Silence in ABC 17 Interview
In the candid interview, Melissa shares her side of the story behind the controversial viral video
In the candid interview, Melissa shares her side of the story behind the controversial viral video
COLUMBIA, Mo., Feb. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In her first-ever interview since the November 9th video went viral, University of Missouri professor, Dr. Melissa Click, broke her silence in an interview with ABC 17's Marissa Hollowed.
During the almost 30-minute interview, Dr. Click added much needed context to her brief encounter with an individual who attempted to push through a peaceful and temporary student-faculty barrier. Her actions this past fall resulted in an indefinite paid suspension and twenty hours of court-ordered community service.
Having previously apologized for actions that day, Dr. Click's hope is that viewers of the interview gain insight into her actions, seeing that her intentions were solely to provide help and support to the MU students who were feeling marginalized, as they exercised their right to assembly.
Melissa Click says she felt compelled to visit Carnahan Quad after the MU football team lent their support to the hunger strike. Amidst growing negative commentary about Concerned Student 1950 via anonymous social media channels, faculty became concerned about the safety of students camping out on Carnahan Quad.
A guest at the camp, Dr. Click was there to help sort through community donations and support the students, and was unprepared for the encounter that took place. She explains that the students were cooperating with media and doing interviews all day and that when the viral video was shot, the student group had requested a temporary break in order to prepare for an upcoming press conference.
Melissa Click is eager to return to the classroom and believes that her twelve years of service and commitment to MU should not be judged on one out-of-character moment.
Dr. Click also spoke with KBIA, the University-licensed, community-supported, local NPR affiliate, and is ready to continue sharing her story with the public and the media.
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Status Labs' Senior Media Director, Lacy Rushin at [email protected].
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SOURCE Dr. Melissa Click
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