About 30 members of Southeast Missouri State University's Black Student Union stood in front of the steps of the University Center building Thursday, holding signs that read, "SEMO stands with Mizzou" and "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

University president Carlos Vargas-Aburto stands with a group of students on the steps of the University Center on Thursday. (Glenn Landberg)

The students remained silent for about 20 minutes and then joined in a short chant.

"It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win," they shouted. "We must love each other and support each other. It is our duty to fight for our people."

To the right of the students, standing in the back row, was Southeast president Carlos Vargas-Aburto.

"I'm making myself available and trying to engage with students. I try to attend as many events as possible," Vargas said. "I want to make sure we don't end up in a situation where they don't believe they're being heard."

Black Student Union members were excited Vargas responded to their invitation.

"People higher up actually care," said sophomore Jalen Storey of Calumet City, Illinois.

Morris Jenkins, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, said Vargas has been active in trying to reach out to a variety of different groups since taking over in July.

Jenkins and Vargas recently went on a trip to the Missouri Bootheel together.

Tierra Baker holds a sign with fellow students on the steps of the University Center on Thursday. (Glenn Landberg)

"He's the man," Jenkins said.

The emphasis for the SEMO Black Student Union was to show solidarity and support for Concerned Student 1950 at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

"Racism on college campuses, it's not just exclusive to Mizzou; it's not just exclusive to Missouri," Storey said.

"It's a problem all over the country."

Students said they have experienced racism on campus, but it was not the same as the events reported that led up to the protests in Columbia.

Senior Kevin Windham said he's received condescending comments such as, "I'm surprised you're on time."

"It's a lot more discrete, but not discrete at the same time," sophomore Kenya Williams said.

Another difference at Southeast is the college has a task force on diversity -- including administrators, faculty, staff and students -- that has been meeting regularly since March.

Students line the steps of the University Center on Thursday. (Glenn Landberg)

Windham is on the task force and said the group is finalizing a list of recommendations to the University.

One of those is to try to increase the number of minority faculty members.

"It's about promoting the area," Jenkins, who is also on the task force, said. "How can you talk somebody from Detroit or St. Louis into working here?"

Jenkins, who is from Detroit, said he is happy he's at Southeast and is proud of the students for being active in promoting social justice.

"We've got to have recognition of racism and other issues," Jenkins said.

With Vargas accepting his invitation, Windham said he hopes future Black Student Union events can be more diverse.

"This isn't only for students; this isn't only for black people," he said.

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