Former Missouri-Columbia head to keep bulk of old salary

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – The former chancellor of the University of Missouri’s flagship Columbia campus will get more than $344,000 a year in his new role heading up the school’s research. The Associated Press obtained Loftin’s transition agreement Monday under Missouri’s open records law. It shows that R. Bowen Loftin will earn three-quarters of the…

Amid student protests, some see erosion of free speech

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – A recent groundswell of protests on college campuses over race, sexual misconduct and other social issues has some civil libertarians worried that the prized principle of free speech could be sacrificed in the rush to address legitimate student grievances. The potential conflict between civil rights and the First Amendment was on…

Nixon appoints new MU Curator

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed a community development official with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to the University of Missouri Board of Curators. Nixon said in a news release Friday that Yvonne Sparks will fill a vacant seat on the board, which oversees the university’s four campuses. Her appointment…

Vandalism reported at MU black culture center

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – University of Missouri police are investigating a report of vandalism at the Columbia campus’ black culture center. Police say someone spray-painted over a portion of a sign early Thursday at the center. Police were reviewing video surveillance from the area. University Police Chief Doug Schwandt says the Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting…