A statement many regarded as shallow and performative given said department’s long standing history of abuse and abandonment against its Black and Brown students. Therefore, in an effort to hold our alma mater accountable for their public statement of support, both past and current student of the department have joined together as a collective to a) expose the pervasive forms of racism and racially motivated macro and microaggressions within said department and b) formulate a list of demands to prevent future artists of color from having to endure years of abuse as a result of systemic racism within both the dance and theatrical fields of study. It is our hope that we can work together alongside both the faculty and staff of WU's College of Visual and Performing Arts to create an environment conducive to equality and inclusivity from the classrooms to the stage. No longer will we allow our stories to be hidden in the darkness of obscurity. Black Lives Matter, Black Artists Matter, Black Art Matters. This dear friends, marks the beginning of a long awaited change. Are you ready? LIGHTS UP. 

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