UA Indigenous Students Rally Against Restructuring of Cultural Center and Director’s Dismissal

A group of Native students at the University of Arizona has expressed deep concern following the administration’s decision to dissolve a critical cultural and resource center. The Native American Student Affairs Cultural & Resource Center, often referred to as NASA, has served as a vital space for Indigenous students to gather and find support.

Diné student Tommey Jodie described the center as a refuge, where she felt free to express her identity without justification. “It’s one of the only places on campus where I didn’t have to explain who I was,” she stated. This sentiment resonates with many Indigenous students who found a sense of belonging within NASA.

Winona Little Owl-Ignacio, a Lakȟóta and Tohono O’odham student, reflected on her transition to the university, crediting NASA Director Julian Juan with helping her secure housing. “NASA saved me,” she remarked, emphasizing the center’s role in providing community support at a predominantly white institution.

The dissolution of NASA and the merger with the Office of Native American Initiatives has left many students feeling unsafe. “It’s blatant disrespect to student safety,” Little Owl-Ignacio said, responding to the university’s consolidation of cultural centers into a single Student Culture and Engagement Hub amid broader shifts in diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

The consolidation, effective after Juan’s termination on May 27, aims to foster community collaboration but has not inspired confidence among Indigenous students. Many report feeling overlooked by the new leadership structure. Jodie highlighted a significant disconnect, noting that she had not seen members of the Office of Native American Initiatives at Indigenous student events.

University representatives insist that the merger will improve support for Native students and faculty. Levi Esquerra, senior vice president for Native American advancement, described the change as a commitment to recognizing tribal sovereignty. However, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of this new structure, especially as students express dissatisfaction over a lack of outreach from new administrators.

Arizona Mirror reached out to the university for further clarification. A spokesperson responded, emphasizing that upcoming opportunities for student feedback would be available. Despite this, graduate student Trinity Norris criticized the unilateral nature of the decision-making process, stating it undermines student well-being.

The University of Arizona, as a land-grant institution, has a historical obligation to support Native communities. Although the university boasts various Indigenous-focused programs, students argue that actual support often falls short, citing scholarships that don’t fully cover expenses and a lack of adequate faculty representation.

A letter from supporters of NASA, signed by over 85 Indigenous students and alumni, voiced strong opposition to the merger, framing it as detrimental to the Native student population. They emphasized the university’s responsibility to serve Indigenous communities, particularly given its land-grant roots.

NASA has faced challenges for years, including insufficient funding for events and high staff turnover that hindered its ability to provide stable support. Prior to his dismissal, Julian Juan, who had worked at NASA since 2019, prioritized rebuilding trust between the center and its students. He noted the emotional toll on students who continually advocate for themselves in a system that often seems disinterested.

Recent tensions between students and university leadership have culminated in calls for accountability and safety. Juan attributes his termination to his steadfast advocacy for student needs amid growing conflicts with NAI leadership, particularly after an incident where a student was physically blocked from speaking at a university event.

The future of NASA remains uncertain as the center is integrated under NAI. Concerns about the services available for Indigenous students continue to mount, with many feeling that the new structure lacks an understanding of their unique challenges. Juan expressed his apprehension regarding the potential impact on student safety, stating, “I’m afraid for them under this new model.”

The university has thus far declined to comment on the specifics of student concerns or Juan’s dismissal. As students continue to navigate these changes, their determination to advocate for a supportive environment remains unwavering.