UMKC student groups plan second protest over Daniel Graves hiring

Editors note: This story has been updated by an editor to correct an issue made in the initial print. 

 Student groups at the University of Missouri–Kansas City say they plan to continue protests on Tuesday, May 12, over the university’s decision to hire former Kansas City Police Department Captain Daniel Graves. 

  UMKC’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America and Roos Against ICE released a statement criticizing Graves and the university administration, arguing that students’ concerns about safety and accountability have not been addressed.

  “Daniel Graves refuses to assuage our concerns about our safety and security,” the statement said. “How are we meant to trust a man who defended murder?”

  On May 5 at noon, protesters held their first “Say No to Daniel Graves” rally on campus. Demonstrators voiced opposition to the university’s decision to hire Graves, citing his public support for former KCPD detective Eric DeValkenaere, who was convicted in connection with the 2019 fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb, a 26-year-old Black man.

  The groups also connected Graves’ hiring to broader concerns about policing and systemic racism, saying the university’s response has left students feeling unheard.

  “The hiring of Daniel Graves represents larger issues of systemic racism, bigotry and unchecked violence,” the statement continued.

  Organizers said additional demonstrations are being planned in the coming weeks as they continue calling for university officials to address student concerns.