Missouri Lt. Governor Denounces Mizzou Faculty Who Obstructed Press

In a statement Tuesday, Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder denounced any University of Missouri faculty who deprived students of their First Amendment rights after a professor was caught on camera harassing a student journalist and trying to kick him out of their “no media safe space.”

“On Sunday I stood by the rights of protesters to have their voices heard while also urging the need for governance by University of Missouri leadership,” Kinder said. “Today, I’m standing for another First Amendment right, the freedom of the press.”

“Actions on Monday by University faculty and staff to infringe on students’ First Amendment rights directly contradict what is taught at our universities,” he continued. “This incident must be examined, and if found necessary, disciplined.”

“Faculty and staff cannot be allowed to pick and choose which rights, viewpoints and freedoms they respect. I renew my call to restore law and order on campus, so the rights of all are protected. The University of Missouri is funded by taxpayers. It is imperative that it be a place where freedom is paramount and all voices are heard.”

Kinder announced in July that he run for Governor of Missouri in 2016 on a Republican ticket. Missouri’s current Democratic Governor Jay Nixon has not yet addressed the clash between protesters and reports, but he did welcome the resignation of Mizzou president Jim Wolfe and call for “healing and reconciliation” on campus.

[Image via screengrab]
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