NEWS AND UPDATES ON THIS STORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield, MO—November 7, 2024 – The NAACP Missouri State Conference, Springfield Branch, and Missouri State Chapter unequivocally condemn the recent terroristic wave of racist messages directed at Black students following the recent Presidential Election. Messages were received by Missouri State students and reported to the NAACP. Similar incidents have been reported on the campus of colleges and universities around the Nation.

“This is terrorism plain and simple. It points to a well-organized and resourced group that has decided to target Americans on our home soil based on the color of our skin. The schools that were targeted and law enforcement need to take these reports seriously and act quickly to prevent the escalation to physical violence.”

- Nimrod Chapel, Jr., President of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP

“We are appalled by these acts of hatred and intimidation, which not only undermine our core values of equality and justice but also threaten the safety and well-being of our students in educational environments that should be inclusive and nurturing for all.”

- Kai Sutton, President of the Springfield Branch of the NAACP

These messages serve as a stark reminder that the struggle against racism and discrimination is far from over. They create an atmosphere of fear and hostility that is unacceptable and unworthy of our society. We stand in solidarity with the affected students and their families, affirming their right to pursue education free from harassment and discrimination.

As we continue to process these incidents, we call upon educational institutions, community leaders, and law enforcement to take immediate action to address the fallout from these heinous acts and to ensure that all students can learn and thrive in a safe environment. We demand robust investigations into these incidents, transparent communication with affected communities, and a commitment to implementing policies that protect and support our students. The widespread nature of the attack points to a coordinated effort of terrorism against Black Americans. How did the terrorists get the phone numbers and demographic

information of the students? Did the school’s internal emergency alert systems get hacked? Is this just the beginning of a larger attack that ends in physical violence?

It is imperative that we collectively confront racism and terrorism in all its forms. Let this be a moment of reflection and action as we recommit ourselves to the struggle for justice and equality. We implore everyone in our community to join us in rejecting hate and uplifting one another in the ongoing fight for a more equitable future. Together, we can build a society that values every individual, regardless of their race, and ensures that hate has no place in our schools or in our communities.

IF YOU HAVE RECIEVED A MESSAGE OR OTHER FORM OF HARASSMENT:

1. Take a screen shot of the message.
2. Report the incident to local law enforcement. This creates an official record that will be helpful as we document a pattern of these terroristic attacks.
3. Report the incident to your University administration immediately. The University must be kept aware of potential dangers on campus.
4. Notify your local NAACP Branch and the State Conference. You can find your local branch information here. Please also send reports to president@monaacp.org.

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ABOUT NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st-century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.