News

Women’s and Gender Studies News and more 

In recent weeks, the long and uninterrupted history of racism and white supremacy in this country has been challenged by the courageous stand of the Black Lives Matter movement and its allies. The Women’s and Gender Studies Program at UTA stands with the protestors in demanding the dismantling of the interlocking, systemic racism that infects our institutions, places of work and learning, and indeed, all of American society. Police brutality and the massive prison system echo the foundation of this country on the stolen lands and genocide of Indigenous peoples and the brutal enslavement of Africans and their descendants. We wholeheartedly embrace our black and brown brothers and sisters and pledge our unwavering support of justice and equality for every American. We further pledge to interrogate our curriculum to confirm that it is free of any vestige of the legacy of white supremacy. We will endeavor to include the historical experiences of black and brown peoples in all of our courses and to make sure that our students can see and hear our unwavering dedication to the dignity and value of every human being in our teaching, advising, and all other actions.

In this time of tragedy and loss, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to those who are suffering, and, especially, to the family and friends of George Floyd. We remember, too, that Atatiana Jefferson and Botham Jean were both murdered by police right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area last year. Just in the past few years, there are many others we can’t forget, including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Philandro Castile, and Michael Brown. Say their names.

We join hands with all our colleagues and students in kindness and empathy, and pledge to support each other in these trying times. Black Lives Matter has focused America on its great and egregious failings, and the path forward is fraught with danger, resistance, and formidable foes. However, we commit ourselves to joining forces with all people of goodwill in the struggle to remake America into a more equitable and just union.

Together, we are stronger. And together, we will work to expunge white supremacy, in all its forms, from
America.

Listen, Learn, and Act

As an academic unit, UTA’s Women’s & Gender Studies Program pledges our resources to educating ourselves and others; to listening; to interrogating, naming, and dismantling privilege; to amplifying the voices of all Black people and all people of color in teaching, scholarship, and administrative work; and to supporting Black people and all people of color in their fight for equality and justice.

Click here for a list of some resources for educating yourself and others.

Women's and Gender Studies | College of Liberal Arts

Events

Women’s and Gender Studies Co-Sponsored and Sponsored Events for Fall 2020

 (Events planning underway - please stay tuned to this site)

 

For more information, please visit events.uta.edu.

Women's and Gender Studies | College of Liberal Arts

Mission

The Women’s & Gender Studies Program provides UTA’s undergraduate and graduate students with a flexible and coherent education around the history, significance and social perceptions of gender and sexuality. Our mission is to promote discourse around gender and sexuality within the UTA community, explore social norms and history of gender and sexual identity, and deepen the understanding of complex and critical issues regarding women, gender and sexuality. The program also works to support scholarly research related to gender by our students and faculty. 

Women's and Gender Studies | College of Liberal Arts

History

In 1974 The University of Texas at Arlington created the UTA Center for Women’s Studies, beginning its story in the world of gender-related academics. By 1991, UTA officially created the Women’s Studies Program, which offered an undergraduate minor in women’s studies. From its humble beginnings, the program has been able to expand to include approximately 28 cross-listed courses across 14 departments and over 40 faculty members teaching these qualified classes. 

In Fall 2011, the program reintroduced itself as the Women’s and Gender Studies program, marking its 20th anniversary on UTA’s campus. This milestone showcased the longevity and importance of the program and its continued growth here at UTA. 

For a complete history of UTA’s WGS program visit here.

Women's and Gender Studies | College of Liberal Arts