The president lauded the students’ activism, but also warned they need to maintain an open dialogue with those who hold differing views.

“There is clearly a problem at the University of Missouri, and that’s not just coming from students. That’s coming from some faculty,” the president told Stephanopoulos Thursday at the White House. “I think it is entirely appropriate for students in a thoughtful, peaceful way to protest what they see as injustices or inattention to serious problems in their midst.

“I want an activist student body just like I want an activist citizenry, and the issue is just making sure that even as these young people are getting engaged, getting involved, speaking out that they’re also listening,” he added. “I’d rather see them err on the side of activism than being passive.”