‘I never felt safe’: #BlackOnCampus stories flood social media after Missouri protests

Concerned Student 1950, led by University of Missouri graduate student Jonathan Butler, second from right, speaks after the announcement that University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe would resign Monday. (Sarah Bell/Missourian via AP)

Months of tension around issues of race on the University of Missouri’s flagship campus culminated this week in boycotts, the resignation of top officials and death threats made against black students.

These events also sparked a larger conversation about what it’s like to be African American on a college campus.  The Mizzou group Concerned Student 1950, behind many of the campus demonstrations, asked black students and alumni Wednesday to “tell us your experiences” about being “marginalized,” using the hashtag #BlackOnCampus.

[The incidents that led to the University of Missouri president’s resignation]

That prompted a flurry of tweets, pushing the hashtag to one of the highest-trending topics on Twitter in the country Wednesday afternoon. Here’s a snapshot of some of those tweets:

On lack of diversity

When I'm represented in every promotional brochure, but not in any syllabi, curriculums, faculties, boards of trustees... #BlackOnCampus

— Molly Alawode, MSc, CHES (@_malawode) November 11, 2015

Sitting in lecture halls like #BlackOnCampus pic.twitter.com/CMBB8GJK60

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 11, 2015

[Yale leaders reaffirm their commitment to diversity and debate]

On being stereotyped and profiled

When Im in the cafeteria and someone taps me on the shoulder and asks for assistance. :/ #BlackOnCampus

— Optimus Fine (@sunnydaejones) November 11, 2015

Sitting in a Con Law, talking about Affirmative Action & the white students implying that's the only reason you got in #blackoncampus

— Black Hermione is ashamed of JKR (@minimerc4) November 11, 2015

When you mention that you received a scholarship, & classmates ask what sport you play B4 acknowledging that it was academic. #BlackonCampus

— Neale (@AbeFroman) November 11, 2015

[University of Missouri police arrest suspect in social media death threats]

On teaching

I don't remember any black professors at my college. Even my African studies professor was an old white man #BlackOnCampus

— Johnetta Elzie (@Nettaaaaaaaa) November 11, 2015

On not feeling safe

Student wears BP vest after death threats @PennState 2001 #BlackOnCampus #ConcernedStudent1950 @_JonathanButler pic.twitter.com/zgl6LtEqDp

— Robin Hoecker (@RobinEHoecker) November 11, 2015

Having a white male approach me and my RM with a knife with cops present but the cop questions....ME AND MY RM. #BlackOnCampus

— HALL OF FAME BO #29 (@VWEBBJR) November 11, 2015

In the 5 years I attended Mizzou, living on and off campus, I never felt safe. #blackoncampus

— Jasmine Jay (@Jazzysaywho) November 11, 2015

Being told that you're whiny, because you want to feel safe on campus #BlackOnCampus

— mikayel mayerzz (@mrgn_prkns) November 11, 2015