Black Lives Matter at University of the Arts
Right now, so many in our community are eager to take action. The DEIA Committee has compiled a list of resources and information for students, faculty and staff below. This is a living list, and we welcome suggestions from our community members. To make suggestions, contact diversity@uarts.edu.
Demand justice for the deaths of Black Americans.
Contact your local representatives and ask how they are committing to ending police violence and demanding justice for Black Americans. Harvard students created this Resource Guide that includes, among many other things, excellent templates for talking to representatives.
Speak up for yourself, your peers and your community.
We prohibit racial discrimination and harassment at University of the Arts. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or harassment, contact the university’s Title IX coordinator and diversity administrator at titleix@uarts.edu. Students, faculty and staff may also make reports through our 24-hour, confidential communication channel, hosted by EthicsPoint. It provides a resource for confidentially asking questions or submitting reports related to violations of applicable law or university policies, standards or procedures. You can submit reports confidentially or anonymously, online or by phone.
Take advantage of support resources.
Self-care, including mental health support, is critical in this moment. The Counseling Center and the Employee Assistance Program (accessed through the portal) are both well-being resources with free, virtual options and online tools available to our community members at any time. Organizations such as Black Girls Smile, Loveland Foundation Therapy Fund and Black Healing Resources focus specifically on Black mental health. Additionally, Artist Relief created a YouTube channel to support artists’ physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Support Black artists and Black-owned businesses.
This directory from NYMag features Black-owned businesses nationwide, the African American Literature club provides a list of Black-owned bookstores searchable by state, and these resources highlight Philadelphia-area black owned businesses: this Visit Philly article, @blackophilly, and this Google sheet.
Make a donation to support our future leaders—UArts students.
Our students and alumni work tirelessly to follow their passions, which often means serving their communities and making a positive impact on our city, our nation and the world. Consider supporting our students to ensure they can continue their education during times of crisis by making a gift to UArts Cares.
Educate yourself.
Find books, articles, podcasts and social media accounts that speak to anti-racism here, here, here, here, and here. Sign up for anti-racism online learning courses here, here, and here.
Faculty: create an anti-racist learning environment.
The Center For Teaching and Learning’s DEI Teaching Resources & Strategies Portal page has many resources to support faculty in creating an equitable learning experience for all UArts students, including online training, a DEI syllabus rubric, suggested anti-racism reading and more.