In light of events worldwide that have drawn the public attention, the global community has once again come together to support one another. We all offer Paris our support as they respond to the terrorist attack that occurred over the weekend. However, this opens dialogue around the world about international and national issues. For us, that includes the racial turmoil that began in Missouri. Here are the basics that you need to know:

1. The University of Missouri, located in Columbia, Missouri, is under tension due to recent racial episodes on its campus.
2. Use of racial slurs, graffiti (including a swastika drawn in feces in a residential hall), and disturbances of peaceful demonstrations are some of the problems that have occurred on campus. "New York Times" writer John Eligon wrote that these racial disturbances have been occurring on different campuses nationwide.
3. Death threats made against black students on Yik Yak made the situation tenser. Nineteen-year-olds Hunter Park and Connor Stottlemyre were arrested for making the threats online.
4. The protests began with a hunger strike by Johnathan Butler, a graduate student at Mizzou, who felt unsafe on his campus due to present racism. He called for the removal of Missouri University System President Tim Wolfe. Butler updated his will and signed a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order as precautions to his strike.
5. Butler’s strike gained a stronger media coverage when football players—both black and white—threatened to not practice or play until Butler’s strike had ended. The players’ decision was supported by their coach.
6. Butler, the football players and other students called for Wolfe’s removal for his (and other school leaders) lack of action in dealing with the racism present on campus.
7. Wolfe resigned Monday, Nov. 9, shortly followed by Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin, due to the racial controversies. Loftin will take on a role advancing research starting in 2016. CNN reporter Eliott McLauglin covered Lofitin's and Wolfe's resignation, asking if this was enough of a solution.
8. With the resignation of Wolfe and Bowen, the hunger strike and demonstrations were not brought to a close. Instead, demonstrations on other campuses nationwide took place in support.
9. Coverage of the protest caused another stir when journalism student Tim Tai was blocked by peers and Assistant Professor Melissa Click from covering the protests, bringing up issues regarding First Amendment boundaries. Communications dean at the university, David Kurpius, addressed the issue online stating that Click is not a full-time employee of the department.
10. The protests in Missouri have sparked similar sentiments in universities nationwide. Here at UD, an open dialogue has been encouraged among students and staff.