As recent alumni of the University of Rhode Island, we feel that the education we received at URI does not provide its undergraduate students with an adequate understanding of the racial inequality and white privilege the world is facing today. While culture may be addressed in some general education courses, we feel that URI has a duty to directly address and educate students on racial issues. URI is made up of approximately 70% white students, compared to 5% black students. Studies have shown that black students often feel disconnected from their schools and peers, a disconnect that can be attributed to institutionalized racism. Black students can also experience “double consciousness”, in which black people are essentially forced to maintain two identities: who they actually are and how they are perceived by their non-black peers.

Please sign this petition if you believe that URI students should be required to take a general education class pertaining to racial inequality and white privilege. There is no excuse for ignorance. URI faculty, staff, and students must do everything they can to be informed allies to people of color.