Mizzou professor who called for ‘some muscle’ to remove photographer covering protests resigns from post

The University of Missouri professor who called for the removal of a photographer covering the protests on the Columbia, Mo., campus has resigned from her "courtesy post" within the journalism school.

Melissa Click, an assistant professor in the communications department, was among the activists who had formed a perimeter around the tent village at the center of the demonstration to block the media from accessing it.

Click was seen in a widely distributed video confronting a photographer who was filming Monday’s protests.

“Who wants to help me get this reporter out of here? I need some muscle over here!” Click yelled.

The clip drew outrage among fellow journalists and a review of Click’s position by fellow journo-school faculty members.

David Kurpius, the dean of the school of journalism, announced Click’s resignation late Tuesday, stressing that she held a “courtesy appointment” and never had a teaching role at the school.

“The news media have First Amendment rights to cover public events,” Kurpius said.

Click, who remains on the faculty in the communications department, apologized in a statement of her own.

“I regret the language and strategies I used, and sincerely apologize to the M.U. campus community, and journalists at large, for my behavior, and also for the way my actions have shifted attention away from the students’ campaign for justice,” Click wrote, adding that she had called the journalists involved to apologize.

Tim Tai, a senior photographer who was seen being confronted by in the video, told the New York Times he accepted her apology.

“I never had ill will toward her, and I felt bad when I heard she’d been getting threats,” Tai, who was covering the protests as a freelancer for ESPN, said. “I think this has been a learning experience for everyone involved, myself included, and I hope this blows over for both of us.”

Kurpius agreed.

“The events of November 9 have raised numerous issues regarding the boundaries of the First Amendment,” he said. “Although the attention on journalists has shifted the focus from the news of the day, it provides an opportunity to educate students and citizens about the role of a free press.”

It seems some of the students have already learned their lesson.

The organizers of the protests distributed a PSA on Tuesday encouraging activists to welcome the press.

“Media has a 1st amendment right to occupy campsite,” the leaflet read. “The media is important to tell our story and experiences at Mizzou to the world. ... Let’s welcome and thank them!”