Dear Students,

Many of you have expressed concerns and frustrations over the recent changes we are currently experiencing as UAA restructures Native Student Services and implements the University of Alaska Board of Regents’ directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We want you to know… You are not alone.

Across the University of Alaska Anchorage campuses, there are dedicated staff who deeply care about you, share your sentiments, and value your perspectives. We remain committed to listening to you, hearing your insights, and making sure others hear your voices as well.

Many of the UAA staff are in awe of your actions in response to the abrupt changes. You have gathered on campus to protect what you value, engaged your student newspaper to raise important awareness, participated in a system-wide town hall to elevate your concerns, and inspired more than 2,000 people to sign the Change.org petition to Save Native Student Services at UAA. By standing up for what you believe in, you are truly making a difference.

As staff who witness your efforts and share your concerns, we are writing to you from the frontlines. The rules are changing rapidly—from deleting inclusivity statements to changing traditional campus namesakes to finding out about revoked student visas. This is unsettling and unacceptable.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion have been the foundation of our policies, our school identity, and, most importantly, the opportunities we pride ourselves on providing to all students. The sudden termination of these long-held principles, developed over many years through system-wide collaborative processes, is an institutional betrayal. Not all staff share our collective outrage at the ending of the institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this letter does not speak for them.

This letter is written by staff who uphold the privilege of opening the door for students who come from all backgrounds, including those who have been marginalized and historically underrepresented. A core tenet of public universities is access. Which means it doesn’t matter who you are or how you got here. Public universities, such as ours, offer the promise and path to a better life. Whatever university leadership ultimately decides, we want all students to know we have your backs and will do whatever we can to continue to help you achieve your educational goals.

Summer is upon us after a tumultuous semester. Please take care and know that we will continue our commitment to advocate for you, UAA students. We will continue to amplify your voices by sharing your stories in break rooms, with our supervisors, with faculty, and with each other. You inspire us. Stay strong, stay loud, stay proud, and stay united.

In Solidarity,

Staff from Across the University of Alaska Anchorage Campuses