University of North Carolina Asheville hosted a “Black and African American Healing Space” and “racial trauma yoga” session on campus this week following the verdict in the Derek Chauvin case, limiting attendance to solely minority students.
According to a university-wide email obtained exclusively by YAF’s Campus Bias Tip Line, UNCA Chancellor Nancy Cable claimed “recurrent deaths of black and brown people” and “anti-transgender legislation” have caused anxiety on campus. Cable promoted two “healing spaces” for students–one for “Black and African Americans,” and the other for “Trans, Non-Binary, & Gender Non-Conforming.”
“In response to recent violence targeting Black people and children, this is a space for Black people to be in community with each other,” Cable wrote.
Cable also detailed that in response to “the 80+ anti-trans bills that have been penned this year alone” the trans healing space is “for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks to be in community…”
The chancellor also announced “racial trauma yoga,” specifically “For BIPOC Students,” and a “Meltdown” session for students to “scream, punch and kick” to “vent their frustration.”
UNC Asheville did not return answer questions regarding if the school was concerned about a potential civil rights investigation. A university spokeswoman provided YAF with this statement:
“UNC Asheville is an inclusive space and provides a variety of programmatic activities for all students. We are committed to equality of educational experiences for students and is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. UNC Asheville does not discriminate against students, applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or any other legally protected status.”
Sadly, YAF’s Campus Bias Tip Line has seen a rise in segregated and minority-only events on campus within the last year. The Department of Education is currently investigating similar events at the University of Denver and University of Kentucky. Schools that segregate their students in the name of “inclusivity” should be called out for their divisive tactics, and held to account under current civil rights law.
Are you facing bias on campus? Submit a tip.
