We have been discussing the continuing problems at University of Missouri after the school mishandled the controversy over the actions of Professor Melissa Click who notoriously led attacks on a student journalist as part of protests. The school sacked Click, but the school proceeded to make a series of controversial concessions to protesters and forced the resignation of the President and Chancellor.The meltdown at Mizzou has continued this year with further deep budget and staffing cuts. This includes lay offs and the elimination of 155 positions.

The Administration and faculty at Mizzou allowed the Click controversy to fester with its failure to stand firm on its educational program and mission. Instead, they put their institution into a virtual free fall of concessions, apologies and resignations. The Click controversy was caused by one problem: Click. Her actions were outrageous and damaging to the school. However, the school seemed to panic in the aftermath.

Not surprisingly, applications have plummeted with whole dormitories being shutdown or even used to try to raise short term rental profits.

The Administration succeeded in alienating everyone, including the legislature which cut $3.8 million from the budget and Missouri governor Eric Greitens withheld an additional $22 million of funding last year.

The student body in 2017 was 30,870 — down from 35,448 in 2015. In fall of 2017, that number was down to 30,870 according to The Kansas City Star.

Worse still is the fall in applications which undermine the ability to keep scores competitive at the school. The university has reported a 14 percent increase in freshman enrollment in the last year but it is still below 2015. According to College Fix, the university announced that freshman enrollment increased by 14 percent for the fall 2018 semester. Freshman enrollment still remains below that of fall 2015.

Gonzaga University hired Click after she was dismissed by Missouri.

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