The University of Missouri professor caught on video blocking journalists from filming protests issued an apology Tuesday evening.
Melissa Click, an assistant professor of mass media, wrote that she personally called one of the reporters to apologize.
“Yesterday was a historic day at MU — full of emotion and confusion,” Click wrote in a statement. “I have reviewed and reelected upon the video of me that is circulating and have written this statement to offer both apology and context for my actions.”
In the video revealed on Monday, Click suggested removing journalists by force.
“Who wants to help me get this reporter out of here?” she asks. “I need some muscle over here.”
Those remarks went viral and drew fury from some, who noted that as a media professor, Click should understand that the First Amendment protects her right to protest as well as reporters’ rights to film on public property.
Here’s the full apology:
Statement by Melissa Click, Assistant Professor of the Department of Communication, Regarding Carnahan Quad Protests pic.twitter.com/FJPUJUL5b3
— MU College of A&S (@MUCollegeofAS) November 10, 2015
The confrontation between Click and the reporter took place amid racial tension that had been accelerating since September on the Columbia, Missouri, campus.
Several African-American students on campus had been targeted with hate speech, and students on campus called for then President Tim Wolfe’s resignation. Wolfe resigned Monday morning.
Faculty at the Missouri School of Journalism are currently deciding on whether or not to revoke a courtesy appointment for Click, the Columbia Missourian reported.
Watch the incident here:
As reported by Business Insider