BLACK LIVES MATTER

The School of the Arts actively opposes the systemic racism, violence and human rights abuses that plague our nation.

As artists and educators, we must use our voices to advocate for much-needed change in our institutions and communities and act accordingly. Through our artistic practices, we are able to transcend traditional modes of communication to illuminate injustices and facilitate social transformation. We recognize the power that art wields to inspire change and are driven to promote the arts as a tool for social justice and transformation.

The School of the Arts is committed to elevating artists of color, amplifying underrepresented voices and facilitating dialogue around critical social justice issues. These values will be exemplified through the programs we produce, the backgrounds and training of our faculty, the diversity of our students, the disciplines and approaches of visiting artists, and the scope and depth of our courses. We can and will do more to help dismantle systems of oppression and injustice and invite members of our community to join us in these efforts to create a more free and just society.

We stand with those seeking justice for Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Ahmaud Aubrey, Breonna Taylor and the many other victims of racism and violence. Immediate and substantive reform to policing practices and the criminal justice system are urgently needed. This is a historic moment to listen, learn, grow, act and change.