News and Events

Statement From GWSS

In recent weeks, the long and uninterrupted history of racism and white supremacy in this country has been challenged by the courageous stand of the Black Lives Matter movement and its allies. The Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies Program at UTA stands with the protestors in demanding the dismantling of the interlocking, systemic racism that infects our institutions, places of work and learning, and indeed, all of American society. Police brutality and the massive prison system echo the foundation of this country on the stolen lands and genocide of Indigenous peoples and the brutal enslavement of Africans and their descendants. We wholeheartedly embrace our black and brown brothers and sisters and pledge our unwavering support of justice and equality for every American. We further pledge to interrogate our curriculum to confirm that it is free of any vestige of the legacy of white supremacy. We will endeavor to include the historical experiences of black and brown peoples in all of our courses and to make sure that our students can see and hear our unwavering dedication to the dignity and value of every human being in our teaching, advising, and all other actions.

In this time of tragedy and loss, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to those who are suffering, and, especially, to the family and friends of George Floyd. We remember, too, that Atatiana Jefferson and Botham Jean were both murdered by police right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area last year. Just in the past few years, there are many others we can’t forget, including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, and Michael Brown. Say their names.

We join hands with all our colleagues and students in kindness and empathy, and pledge to support each other in these trying times. Black Lives Matter has focused America on its great and egregious failings, and the path forward is fraught with danger, resistance, and formidable foes. However, we commit ourselves to joining forces with all people of goodwill in the struggle to remake America into a more equitable and just union.

Together, we are stronger. And together, we will work to expunge white supremacy, in all its forms, from America.

Listen, Learn, and Act

As an academic unit, UTA’s Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies Program pledges our resources to educating ourselves and others; to listening; to interrogating, naming, and dismantling privilege; to amplifying the voices of all Black people and all people of color in teaching, scholarship, and administrative work; and to supporting Black people and all people of color in their fight for equality and justice.

Click here for a list of some resources for educating yourself and others.