We, the undersigned students, alumni, faculty, and supporters of the Commitment to Underserved People (CUP) Clinics and their mission, strongly oppose any proposed changes to the name of this vital program.

For over 40 years, the CUP Clinics have been an integral part of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, providing essential medical services to underserved populations who might otherwise go without care. CUP is more than an acronym—it is a promise, a mission, and a living legacy. It is a bold and truthful response to the inequities in our healthcare system. It reflects our values, our purpose, and our collective identity as a medical community devoted to equity, service, and justice.

Recently, due to changes in federal regulations, there is growing administrative pressure to remove the word "underserved" from the clinic’s title. But this word is not a political liability—it is a reality. As one of the program’s founders stated, “We care for uninsured, underserved, and people ignored by society—that is why the clinics and programs are named Commitment to Underserved People.” These patients are underserved not because of semantics, but because they lack the access and resources they deserve. The CUP Clinics exist precisely to fill that gap.

To change the name now would be to erase the truth behind our work and diminish the very reason why so many of us chose to be here. CUP represents our oath as future physicians: to care for all people, regardless of status, income, or background. It is also a core reason many students choose to attend UA-COM-T—drawn by the opportunity to learn in an institution that unapologetically centers the needs of marginalized communities.

It is important to note that CUP does not receive government or insurance funding. It is proudly student-run and student-funded, and this proposed name change did not originate from the students. Our work is powered by compassion, not compliance; by service, not censorship. Why should outside pressure dictate the core of our identity?

This is an urgent moment that calls for collective action. Changing the name of CUP would not only erase its historical and moral significance, but also raise questions about our university’s sincerity in its stated commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community service—especially as a Hispanic-Serving Institution situated on Indigenous land.

We urge the administration and stakeholders to honor the integrity of CUP’s mission and to preserve its name—Commitment to Underserved People—as a powerful declaration of who we are, and who we serve.

Do not let us lose our identity.
Do not let us abandon our promise.
Keep the name. Keep the mission.