Statement from the Dean

February 28, 2019

A Snapchat photo currently circulating on social media includes individuals thought to be UT students in blackface. Neither the image, nor the caption, are representative of the college or of UT. We oppose racism in any form. The deplorable philosophies perpetrated in the post are contrary to what it means to be part of Haslam and UT, and undermine our deep commitments to diversity and inclusion. Our mission includes preparing our students for the global business world, where people of all races and backgrounds come together in the pursuit of shared goals. We believe that to be a Haslam student is to embrace community and operate in cooperation with all from a place of mutual respect.

The Office of the Dean of Students and the BIAS Education Response Team have been notified. The university is determining how to handle the incident moving forward. We encourage our students to consider attending the discussion program, “Pain is Brave,” being offered at 5 p.m. today in the Frieson Black Cultural Center by the Office of Multicultural Student Life.

-Stephen L. Mangum, Dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair, Haslam College of Business