Springfield, Mo.: Missouri State University President Addresses Controversial Previous Incident
Missouri State University President Richard “Biff” Williams has recently reached out to students concerning a lawsuit linked to an incident during his tenure at Utah Tech University. In an email sent on Saturday, Williams acknowledged his involvement in a prank that he now views as inappropriate.
The Incident and Lawsuit
The lawsuit involves three staff members from Utah Tech University, where Williams previously served as president. In his email, he reflected on a mistake he made when he humorously displayed a collection of vegetables shaped like male genitalia on the porch of a vice president recovering from surgery. He described this act as a lapse in judgment, stating, “This was a mistake. I regret my lapse in judgment, and I accept this as a learning moment.”
This incident forms part of a larger lawsuit reported by local media, with Williams listed as one of the 20 defendants. The plaintiffs, two of whom are female (one being Black) and one male, claim they faced substantial hostility while trying to promote a discrimination-free workplace within the Office of Equity and Compliance & Title IX.
The Details of the Prank
According to the lawsuit, on November 8, 2023, Williams left a note along with the display of vegetables for the vice president, wishing them well on their recovery and jokingly addressing the items as “delicious produce.” The plaintiffs stated they were “not aware, nor did they give consent” for their names to be used in the note, which included misspellings of two of the names.
Williams had previously informed his chief of staff of his intention to deliver a humorous gift, implying it would be a source of laughter. However, after the delivery, the vice president texted Williams, seeking clarification, after finding a suspect in doorbell footage. Williams denied having any knowledge of the package delivery.
Reactions and Consequences
After the prank became public, the vice president shared the images and details of the incident at a Board of Trustees luncheon, where it was met with laughter from a group of senior staff and trustees. This interaction led to one of the plaintiffs feeling “shocked, embarrassed, and humiliated” due to being inappropriately linked to an event they were not involved in.
The plaintiffs subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the university’s Human Resources department. The lawsuit outlines that by December 2023, when the university’s legal team contacted the plaintiffs to dismiss their Title IX complaints against Williams, the reasoning was rooted in his impending departure from the university.
Williams’s Current Role
After a nationwide search, Williams took on the presidency at Missouri State University in July 2023, succeeding Clif Smart. He was officially inaugurated on October 17, just a few months before this incident came to light.
As the case continues to unfold, the plaintiffs demand the matters involved in the lawsuit be heard before a jury. They are seeking compensation for damages, both economic and non-economic, alongside coverage for legal expenses.
President Williams’s recent communication with students serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe environment at educational institutions, emphasizing the need for thoughtful actions from leaders.
As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for the involved parties to prioritize the well-being of all individuals within academic communities while addressing grievances transparently.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
