resolution

1. THE UNIVERSITY PARK UNDERGRADUATE ASSOCIATION
The Pennsylvania State University
16th Assembly
2021 - 2022 Session
Resolution #14-16
October 24th
, 2021
Be it decided by the Assembly of Student Representatives,
having been brought to the floor by the Committee on Justice and Equity,
a
RESOLUTION
Supporting “We’re a culture, not a costume” Social Media Campaign
Nature of the Situation:
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At the Pennsylvania State University, University Park campus there have been a number of
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incidents in regards to cultural and racial insensitivity in the past few years. While these occur
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throughout the year, many of them occur around the time of Halloween when some students
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choose not to be mindful of other cultures when they wear their costumes. This results in many
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students from diverse backgrounds feeling ostracized from the greater Penn State community
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when they see their cultures being exploited.
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Racial and cultural insensitivity is an issue that's not just unique to Penn State, but something
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that has been the topic of discussion on college campuses on a national scale. In the spirit of
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fostering an inclusive community and more conversations in relation to ethnic and cultural
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diversity, the UPUA believes it is important for students to be mindful of the image they portray
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as they celebrate Halloween.
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The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) voiced their support of the "We're A
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Culture, Not A Costume" campaign created by The Students Teaching Against Racism Society
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(STARS) at The Ohio University in 2015 to promote the education of which costumes are
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acceptable during this time of the year. The poster campaign demonstrates the harmful effects of
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cultural and racial insensitivity (APPENDIX A). This is done through the featuring of different
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individuals representing their respective cultures and locating where the harm can be found in
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terms of Halloween attire. In Bill #07-08, passed in the 8th Assembly, the UPUA purchased the
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2. ability to use and distribute these posters indefinitely from STARS for the amount of $500.00. In
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the 10th Assembly, the UPUA passed Resolution #11-10 to continue the campaign.
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Recommended Course of Action:
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The UPUA on behalf of the University Park undergraduate student body shall run the "We're a
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Culture Not a Costume” social media campaign from October 26, 2021 through November 6,
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2021. This campaign will be promoted on the UPUA social media accounts.
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Additionally, the UPUA shall release a statement to the student body with information on this
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campaign, which will outline its importance and urge students to make culturally-aware
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decisions during the Halloween season. This statement shall be a joint-statement that any
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registered student organization may sign onto and further promote its message.
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The UPUA charges the Department of Communications with implementing this campaign and
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disseminating this message through all appropriate channels.
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3. Respectfully submitted,
Aarathi Kallur
APIDA Caucus
Chair of Justice and Equity
Carter Gangl
At-Large Representative

4. Committee Vote: 7/0/0
Assembly Vote: Unanimous Consent
Speaker of the Assembly ________________________________________________
President of the Student Body ________________________________________________
The University Park Undergraduate Association