BIPOC Student Letter To University of Utah
BIPOC Student Letter To University of Utah
BIPOC Student Letter To University of Utah
University of Utah, President Ruth Watkins, and the University of Utah Board of Trustees:
As our nation and industry begin a much needed conversation about structural racial inequality
and discrimination, the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students of the
Department of Theatre are looking to you as leaders, to lead and create concrete change. This is
your call-in.
The University of Utah recently released their plans to begin an anti-racist approach to education
by releasing a Call to Action. Though we commend this action and look forward to the changes
these committees will make, we do not believe enough has been done to support the safety and
growth of the BIPOC student community in the Department of Theatre. Below we have
enumerated our suggestions for how you can begin to dismantle our white-centric institutions
and make positive change.
Our industry and the world is moving forward. It is up to you to catch up. We will no longer hide
our stories and ourselves because they make you uncomfortable or scared. That is our right. We
write this statement not out of hatred, but out of a deep and enduring love for this art form and
our community. We want to create. We want to create here with you. But we can no longer feel
afraid every day. It is your obligation as educators to educate yourselves. We will hold you
accountable. We look forward to your response and to continuing this conversation.
Signed,
The BIPOC students of the Department of Theatre, past and present, and their allies
Cameron Aragon Francesca Hsieh Ayana Amechi
Class of 2020 Class of 2021 ASUU VP of Univ.
Relations, College of
Jayna Balzer Micki Martinez Science, Class of 2021
Class of 2022 Class of 2020
Cameron Arkin
Danny Borba Yasamin Marashi School of Medicine, Class
Class of 2022 Class of 2023 of 2024