06/18/2020
To BIPOC theatre arts students past and present:
I am deeply sorry for any overt or covert experiences of racism and white supremacy you endured during your time at CSULB. Whether it was because of my actions or someone else’s, I take responsibility, because I was not actively pursuing an agenda of anti-racism in the department. In fact, I was not even familiar with the term anti-racist until recently. I thought being an ally was enough, and I was wrong.
I know an apology isn’t sufficient. It doesn’t undo your past experiences. I pledge to current and future students that I will continue to educate myself about the history and nature of white supremacy, racism, and also of anti-racism, and work with and for you to be an anti-racist teacher and institutional advocate.
Right now I am reading and listening to your stories. Please keep them coming as you need in whatever form speaks to you. If you need or want to reach out, please do. I hear you. I care about you. And I am learning how to fight for you.
Oh, and F**k Trump. Let’s vote that fu***ng dumpster fire out of office!
With love,
Ezra
@ Long Beach, California
