University of Missouri Assistant Professor Who Assaulted Photographer Has Been Fired
Feb 26, 2016
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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One would think that with a surname like “Click”, a person might be more sympathetic toward photographers, especially when that person is also Assistant Professor of Mass Media at the University of Missouri.
Some of you will remember the story from November last year, of Dr. Melissa Click’s tussle with journalists attempting to interview and photograph students during a protest on the campus.
If you need a bit of a reminder, here’s the original video that was posted to YouTube.
The video shows photojournalist Tim Tai, on assignment from ESPN, attempting to capture the protests and being confronted by students.
Recording this video was fellow photographer and University of Missouri student, Mark Schierbecker, who had his camera grabbed by Click, shortly before she called out for “Muscle” to assist in removing him.
After an investigation by the University of Missouri Board of Curators, they voted 4-2 in favour of firing Click, and she was let go on Wednesday. The board had previously voted to suspend Click with pay on January 27th.
A statement was prepared by the Board and presented by Board Chairwoman, Pam Henrickson
The board respects Dr. Click’s right to express her views and does not base this decision on her support for students engaged in protest or their views, however, Dr. Click was not entitled to interfere with the rights of others, to confront members of law enforcement or to encourage potential physical intimidation against a student.
– Pam Henrickson, University of Missouri Board of Curators Chairwoman
The statement also cited other events involving Click’s behaviour, when she yelled profanities at police officers attempting to move protesters at a Homecoming parade in October.
Henrickson went on to further say that “[Dr. Click] has the right to appeal her termination”, and that “the board went to significant lengths to ensure fairness and due process”.
Mark Schierbecker has also made an official statement on his website via Twitter.
https://twitter.com/Schierbecker/status/702970709471924224
In it, he explains that he is happy with the outcome, although disappointed with Click’s denial that her actions represent a pattern that that has apparently been going on for some time.
What do you think? Do you believe that dismissal was too harsh? I mean, she apologized. That makes everything all better, right? (there might be a hint of sarcasm in that last bit).
Hopefully, being that it happened on a University campus, a place for learning, the students in the original video have also learned something; That rights don’t just apply to them, they apply to everybody.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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17 responses to “University of Missouri Assistant Professor Who Assaulted Photographer Has Been Fired”
As well they should..
Took them long enough.
Great news
Guy is being dick and pussy at the same time. I mean come on, if person don’t want to be photographed then don’t do it, or at least don’t put your camera in their face. What’s up with “don’t touch me”, he may as well lie on ground and sue everyone that steps on him.
I think its ironic how, in your post, you manage to be a dick and pussy at the same time.
It was a public space, and a public event, and a news story of public interest. He had every right to photograph whatever or whoever was there.
Since when arguing with angry group of people is called photographing? Shouldn’t photojournalists be discreet at their job? Their conversation was pointless, photographer wasted his time and I’m pretty sure also his mood. He could just go to another spot, back off and use tele, talk himself out or do whatever else that works, but insisting on his rights and expecting that angry group of people will go: “oh, you are right, now that you’ve said it, you can take pictures”, is just plain stupid.
The students were lining up in front of him to block his view. He didn’t put the lens in their face, they came to him. At least watch the video before you say dumb shit.
I think her dismissal is well warranted. Additionally, I think there should have been disciplinary actions against the students confronting Mr. Tai…at minimum forced to take a class in the First Amendment to teach them that it apply’s to ALL not just one side. I still find the whole things stupid….they were protesting…protesters normally WANT press coverage…that’s the WHOLE freaking point…AWARENESS! This video makes me think that they are nothing but spoiled, elitist, liberal drones with an combined IQ of a 1 yr old child.
And just what were they protesting anyway? Seems that message was lost…lol. morons.
I’m surprised it took this long. She must have been tenured or something.
Arrogant photographer. Not cool.
Please explain how he was arrogant. He was working, had an assignment, and was fully within his rights to photograph in public. He didn’t get belligerent or violent, he merely stayed professional in the face of unmitigated stupidity.
This sadly is one of the best examples of the hypocrisy of those on the Left who claim to promote inclusion and tolerance but in reality allow no such thing.
Nobody really won here.
The so called students do seem rather ill informed about the rights of photojournalists to photograph in public. Most people mistakenly believe they need to give permission to be photographed in public. In Canada where I work anyone can be photographed by anyone as long as it is on public property. Having said that, wondering why the photog didn’t just back up and shoot a longer focal length rather than allow the students to get in his face.
I love how they keep telling him to back up as they get closer to him and in his face.
“it’s our right to walk forward. . .” lol. what amendment is that exactly?
Its amazing people think they have a right “to walk forward.” Those students havent learned shit because they qre too dumb to do anything but push others around. The black guy who says, “you lost this one bro,” must be referring to the guy who is about to lose a communications teacher for being a Karen.