PETITION in Support of the Retention of the Anthropology Program at UNCG

Dear Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam & Provost Debbie Storrs:

We the undersigned strongly urge you to reconsider the discontinuation of the bachelor’s in Anthropology program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Anthropology is the only discipline that investigates the nature of humanity both culturally and biologically from all parts of the globe.  Anthropology is also the only field that studies humankind both in its current context and throughout humanity’s long history on our planet.  As such, Anthropology is foundational to knowing who we are as a species, how and why we differ, and how and why we are also the same. As Nancy Banks-Smith so eloquently stated: “"Anthropology is the science which tells us that people are the same the whole world over—except when they are different.”  Successful individuals as disparate as musicians Yo Yo Ma and Tracy Chapman, chef Rick Bayless, actor Glenn Close, authors Michael Crichton, Kurt Vonnegut, and Saul Bellow, computer scientist Christopher Langton, CEO of Barnes & Noble Stephen Riggio, senator Rob Portman, first President of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta, and Reverand Billy Graham all are Anthropology degree holders.

We believe, and encourage you to believe, that retaining the Anthropology program is in the best interest of the university, its students, and the Greensboro community.

Below we summarize some of the reasons we feel that you should reconsider your decision. 

• Diversity of Academic Offerings: The elimination of the Anthropology program (along with the other programs slated for elimination, would diminish the diversity of academic offerings at UNCG. A comprehensive education includes exposure to various disciplines, and Anthropology contributes uniquely to this diversity by providing insights into the complexities of human societies, cultures, biology, and histories. 
• Interdisciplinary Perspective: Anthropology is inherently interdisciplinary, bridging the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. It encourages students to think critically, analyze data, and engage with diverse perspectives. By eliminating the Anthropology program, you limit the holistic educational experience that the university can offer.
• Global Relevance: In an increasingly interconnected world, Anthropology equips students with a global perspective. The program fosters cultural competency, a skill that is invaluable in today's multicultural and globalized society. Retaining the Anthropology program aligns with the university's commitment to producing well-rounded and globally aware graduates.
• Career Opportunities: Anthropology graduates possess a range of skills, including research, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication, which are highly valued in various professional fields. By maintaining the Anthropology program, the university contributes to the success and competitiveness of its graduates in a diverse job market.
• Contributions to Research and Scholarship: The Anthropology program has contributed significantly to the university's research output and academic reputation. Eliminating the program may have a negative impact on the university's standing in the academic community and hinder its ability to attract top-tier faculty and students.

For these and other reasons, few universities of UNCG’s size and reputation are without a comprehensive Anthropology program.

Further, we strongly urge you to remember, as you consider these reasons, that the Anthropology program serves not only Anthropology majors, but also significantly contributes to the Minerva’s Academic Curriculum (MAC) General Education program.  Thus, by eliminating the Anthropology program you will profoundly undercut the core educational mission of the University.  Specifically, the Anthropology program offers the following courses that meet MAC requirements:

• ATY 100 - Contemporary Non-Western Cultures - Global Engagement & Intercultural Learning
• ATY 113 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - Global Engagement & Intercultural Learning
• ATY 153 - Introduction to Biological Anthropology - Critical Thinking & Inquiry in the Natural Sciences
• ATY 158 - Introduction to Archaeology - Global Engagement & Intercultural Learning
• ATY 204 - Anthropology through Film - Critical Thinking & Inquiry in the Social and Behavioral Sciences
• ATY 205 - The World of the Neandertals - Global Engagement & Intercultural Learning
• ATY 208 - Lost Tribes and Sunken Lands - Critical Thinking & Inquiry in the Social and Behavioral Sciences
• ATY 212 - Introduction to Anthropology - Critical Thinking & Inquiry in the Social and Behavioral Sciences
• ATY 230 - Cultures of Native North America - Global Engagement & Intercultural Learning
• ATY 231 - Race and Human Diversity - Diversity & Equity
• ATY 235 - Cultures of Africa - Diversity & Equity
• ATY 240 - Indigenous Towns and Temple Mounds: North American Archaeology - Diversity & Equity
• ATY 259 - Pandemics, Plagues & Outbreaks - Health & Wellness

In conclusion, the Anthropology program is a valuable asset to the university, offering students a unique and enriching educational experience. We respectfully urge you to reconsider the decision to eliminate this program.