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The president of the University of Arizona got an education of his own after insisting he had Native ancestry because of his “high cheek bones.” Robert C. Robbins was speaking to a class of Native students when he mentioned his online DNA test must be wrong because it did not show any Native heritage. He prefaced the remark by saying he didn’t want to “pull an Elizabeth Warren.” He’s since apologized, but many on campus are left wondering how those in the highest ranks of academia can still be so tone deaf. Native students are using the opportunity to elevate the conversation about making college campuses more welcoming.
Guests:
Dr. Robert Robbins – president of the University of Arizona
Dr. Matthew Sakiestewa Gilbert (Hopi) – professor and head of the department of American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona
Amanda Cheromiah (Laguna Pueblo) – volunteer director for Native SOAR and a 3rd year Ph.D. student in higher education at the University of Arizona
Joshua Sandoval (Navajo Nation) – currently a freshman at the University of Arizona majoring in public health
Joshua Billy (Navajo Nation) – currently a sophomore at the University of Arizona majoring in pre-nursing
Full interview with Dr. Amanda Tachine assistant professor of higher education in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University and one of the founders of the Native SOAR program at the University of Arizona
Break 1 music: Maskwa’s Journey (song) Asani (artist) Rattle And Drum (album)
Break 2 music: Rumble (Remastered) (song) Link Wray (artist) Rumble (Remastered) (single)
