Late last year, community and state leaders came together to sign the Utah Compact on Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. The compact is an acknowledgment that racism exists in Utah and that we have work to do to ensure every member of our state has an equal opportunity to prosper.
We pledged to call out problems wherever they exist and take purposeful action to make change. In that spirit, we applaud the Utah House of Representatives for convincingly passing House Bill 278, Name Change Process for Dixie State University. We urge the Utah Senate to pass this important legislation.
We understand the regional meaning of the term Dixie. Southern Utah’s early settlers carved a community out of a harsh desert landscape through teamwork, determination, and adaptability. Nothing will change that history.
But it would be hurtful and foolish to ignore the more broadly accepted, negative connotations associated with the term. For most Americans, the word Dixie is associated with slavery and the Confederacy.
We believe these associations are causing measurable harm to the students and alumni of Dixie State. We cannot ignore prospective Black students who say the name makes them less likely to attend the university. We must listen to graduates who tell us employers are concerned by the name on their diploma. This cuts to the heart of one of the compact’s key tenets: ensuring our state provides equal opportunity and access to education.
If the term’s hurtful history were affecting just one student, a hard look in the mirror would be necessary. But we now know these painful associations are impacting many of our own young adults.
We pledged to listen and learn. We committed to bold actions and policy. We implore the Utah Legislature to pass HB 278, which will allow Dixie State University to begin the process of identifying a new name that is befitting of its mission and growth potential. It’s an important step in Utah’s efforts to become a more inclusive, open environment for all who choose to live here.
Sincerely,
A. Scott Anderson, president and CEO, Zions Bank
Gail Miller, owner and chair, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies
Miles Hansen, president & CEO, World Trade Center Utah
Patricia Jones, Utah State Board of Higher Education
Lisa-Michele Church, Utah State Board of Higher Education
Pastor France Davis
Natalie Gochnour
Kem Gardner
Thomas M. Love, president, Love Communications
Shawn Newell, vice president, NAACP Salt Lake Branch, Utah Multicultural Civic Council, Utah State Board of Higher Education
Deneiva Knight