The University of Minnesota is in possession of dozens of real human skulls that are used as teaching aids for medical students. Although the use of real skulls is critical for the teaching of skull anatomy, the skulls acquired by UMN are not ethically sourced. As was typical for the time, these skulls were obtained without consent from indigenous communities across the world. While the actual circumstances surrounding the acquisition of these skulls is unknown and can only be speculated upon, the University of Minnesota maintains no written permission, from the individuals or the families of these individuals, that allows for the retention of these remains in their teaching collection. Most of these remains belong to individuals from the Punjab region, Peru, and Southern Africa.

Many cultures and religions across the world, to include the regions from which these skulls were immorally obtained, have specific beliefs when it comes to the process by which an individual's remains are laid to rest. The unethical way that these skulls were originally acquired shows disrespect for the burial and afterlife wishes of the individuals who were laid to rest.

The continued use of these skulls as teaching aids by UMN is unacceptable. Although there are conversations in the works at the University in regard to retiring the unethically sourced collection, we believe that these skulls should be laid to rest by either: 

1) Returning the skulls to the local region(s) and tribe(s) that they originated from

2) Cremation/burial of the skulls by UMN with a memorial service

Additionally, while waiting for repatriation efforts to take place, we want UMN to retire the unethically sourced skulls from teaching and replace them with 3D models or real skulls from individuals who provided informed consent over the use of their donated body for the teaching of students.

The University of Minnesota has the power to make things right. Although we cannot go back in time to prevent these skulls from being acquired, there's nothing stopping us from finally laying them to rest. Please sign this petition if you agree!