University of Missouri union workers call on Choi to rescind statements in Sept. 16 email
Olivia Hayes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
LiUNA Local 955 members are calling for University of Missouri Chancellor Mun Choi to rescind an email warning staff about free expression and make it clear that conversations and statements around wages, benefits and working conditions are protected speech.
The group will rally in front of Jesse Hall on Thursday in response to Choi’s email sent out on Sept.16th.
“If an employee’s speech can cause disruption such as workplace disharmony, impeded performance or impaired working relationships, the university’s interest in the efficiency of its operations may outweigh the employee’s rights of free expression,” the email states. “Speech that causes significant disruption can be a basis for discipline or termination, even when it occurs off-duty.”
The email was sent after the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. After Kirk’s killing, conservatives, including Vice President J.D. Vance, called for harsh consequences for people who post certain statements about the attack or Kirk.
Late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel was briefly pulled off the air for his comments about Kirk’s shooting and Republicans trying to take political advantage of it.
LiUNA Local 955 represents service and maintenance workers throughout the University of Missouri System, including MU Health Care.
“Union members, and all UM-System workers, have the constitutional right to collective bargaining in the Missouri Constitution. We have constitutional rights regarding freedom to assembly and freedom of speech,” union representative Andrew Hutchinson said in a news release.
The rally begins at 5 p.m.