Professor Caught Bullying Student Journalist Out of 'Safe Space' Releases Statement — Read It Here

A University of Missouri professor seen in a viral video bullying a student journalist out of a campus "safe space" apologized in a statement Tuesday.

"Yesterday was an historic day at MU—full of emotion and confusion. I have reviewed and reflected upon the video of me that is circulating, and have written this statement to offer both apology and context for my actions," Mass communications professor Melissa Click said in a statement forwarded to TheBlaze.

"I have reached out to the journalists involved to offer my sincere apologies and to express regret over my actions," she added.

Image source: YouTube

Click was captured Monday calling for "muscle" to remove a journalist who was inside a "safe space" photographing demonstrators who had succeeded in ousting the university president.

"I regret the language and strategies I used, and sincerely apologize to the MU campus community, and journalists at large, for my behavior, and also for the way my actions have shifted attention away from the students’ campaign for justice," she said.

[sharequote align="center"]"I regret the language and strategies I used, and sincerely apologize to the MU campus community..."[/sharequote]

Click said the experience has taught her "humanity and humility" and that she apologized to one of the reporters involved.

"{H]e accepted my apology," she said. "I believe he is doing a difficult job, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with him. His dignity also speaks well to the Journalism program at MU."

Mizzou's Department of Communication also issued a statement that reiterated its commitment to the First Amendment.

"We applaud student journalists who were working in a very trying atmosphere to report a significant story. Intimidation is never an acceptable form of communication," the statement said.

The department said it could not elaborate on any disciplinary measures Click would face due to university policy. The School of Journalism was also set to vote Tuesday on whether to revoke Click's courtesy appointment.

UPDATE: 9:12 p.m. ET: Professor Melissa Click resigned her courtesy appointment to the School of Journalism, according to the dean.

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