The University of Missouri (UM) is facing backlash from students and some onlookers after canceling a student-led back-to-school event, sparking accusations of racial erasure. 

The Legion of Black Collegians (LBC), MU’s Black student government, says administrators informed them that their “Black 2 Class Block Party” could not move forward because of the word “Black” in the event’s name, according to local news. Despite LBC offering to rename the gathering as the “Back 2 Class Block Party,” university officials upheld the cancellation, citing concerns the original name suggested racial exclusivity. The event was scheduled to take place on Friday. 

In an Instagram statement, the LBC called the decision “a deliberate act of erasure,” pointing to a wider pattern. Last year, the organization said it was forced to rename its longstanding “Welcome Black BBQ” to the “Welcome Black and Gold BBQ.” LBC ultimately withdrew from that program this year.

On Thursday, LBC leaders met with university officials, including UM System President Mun Choi and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Angela King Taylor, to address the cancellation and broader concerns about the racial climate on campus. Amaya Morgan, LBC president, implied that the conversation was circular, with administrators continuing to frame the block party as potentially exclusionary. “That is never what we do as the Legion of Black Collegians,” Morgan said to St. Louis Public Radio.. “It is literally in our constitution that we are open to all types of identities.”

The controversy comes amid ongoing reports of racial harassment on campus. According to LBC, Black students were subjected to racial slurs dozens of times during the 2024–2025 school year. Morgan said she herself has been targeted. While the university’s Office of Institutional Equity disciplines students when incidents are reported, Morgan argued that stronger acknowledgment from leadership is needed.

University officials said in a statement that all events must avoid language that could be seen as exclusionary. MU spokesperson Christopher Ave later pointed to permitting issues, though Morgan shared documentation showing that LBC had approval for the Black Culture Center venue and all necessary permits for food and equipment.

The pushback against the cancellation has galvanized support from other student groups. Phi Beta Sigma, a historically Black fraternity, called the decision another barrier for Black students seeking visibility and belonging. “Its cancellation not only erases a cherished tradition but also reinforces a troubling pattern,” the fraternity said in a statement.

For LBC, the meeting was just a first step. The organization is demanding that MU host a campus-wide town hall, publicly condemn racial harassment, and strengthen messaging that reinforces the university’s nondiscrimination policies.