Help Us Create a Plan for Lasting Change at WebCo!

Semper Fi

Signing as a grad taking one of the many actions required to dismantle white supremacy in our learning institutions and create the anti-racist theatre of the present and future.

I am sickened by the racism that those of you in the Conservatory have faced. This kind of behavior is unacceptable. I wish you success with your goals to change things at Webster.

Conservatory is hard enough without having to fight implicit racism. I wish my daughter had a much better experience. Future students should not have to fight these same fights. Put it it to rest & take action now.

Exactly what Cassia said, "We wouldn’t be holding you accountable if we didn’t believe that you can change for the better." I agree with her completely. And by "you", *I* mean *me* and my part in the past and future life of this program. Amazing document, Kiah and Michael. Inspiring.

As a proud Chinese/Brazilian/American/European/Native South American/ class of 98’ alumni, I appreciate the attention to this. May we all continue to pave the path to an equally inclusive and fair system.

I have engaged in conversations with several people associated with Web Co over the years about a troubling lack of representation, recruitment and retention of BIPOC students in the Conservatory. The current situation and climate is unacceptable. The student body does not represent the professional world the students will be working in, or the world their work needs to be responsive to. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed in a systematic way going forward. As a proud alumni I look forward to being part of the solution. Class of ‘98

As an alumni, it saddens me to think about the lack of conversations that happened about racism in theater during my college career. And about racism in *our* theater. Because it’s there. It needs to be addressed.

I support this effort and ask that you implement serious changes as well. Let me know how I can help. Cornell!

Make a great education better❤

Thank you to those who put this very thoughtful petition in to writing!

❤️✌️

I am not a member of the Webster Conservatory, but as a Webster University student and future educator, I would love to see my university take these steps in the Conservatory for my fellow classmates and future students interested in pursuing theatre. If theaters want to expand their diversity and hire educated performers and staff, it is the duty of conservatories like Webster's to expand their diversity and inclusion initiatives as well.

Make the change and be the change.

In solidarity + community from a family member of a current WebCo student.

Adding support and gratitude. There is no better place to learn and to spark change than in educational theatre.

This is deplorable that a school doesn't have the decency to show up for its students, or protect them when they need it. Webster needs to do better. Black students can play any roll, and we need to stop white-washing everything. As a former Stage Manager and Technical Director, I have seen it first hand in theaters across the states I've worked in. Some schools are more accepting than others, and that shouldn't be the case. Everyone needs to be accepted and nurtured. Not just White students. Webster, please do better.

In theatre anything is possible, so make it possible for the oppressed.

I support this all the way. Do better.

WebCo Faculty... I hope they listen and own up to their years of shortcomings.