Departmental Pledge for Action

     Our University leaders have called us all to action. President Young calls for action to “address the systemic racism and violence that is plaguing our nation,” actions that “will improve the lives and experiences of citizens of color.” Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity Robin Means Coleman calls for “tangible policy changes and action.” The Consortium of Chairs and Directors of Black Studies in the SEC asks us all to “imagine how best to turn our grief into productive action.” In Coach Fisher’s words, “we can’t sit this one out.” The Department of Performance Studies—its faculty, staff, and graduate students—pledges to take action toward creating a true campus community of “inclusion, anti-racism, and belonging” through its courses, scholarship and creative activities, outreach, community engagement, and events.

     The Department of Performance Studies at Texas A&M University stands with our Black students, colleagues, alumni, and communities. We acknowledge the systemic racism pervasive throughout our society. As citizens of the University, we commit to meaningful action in this pivotal moment and to the ongoing work that anti-racism requires. We grieve for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and all Black lives lost. We see you. We hear you. We mourn with you. We stand with you because Black Lives Matter.