A musical performance group at Kent State University has banned white people from auditioning for certain solos.
Campus Reform reporter Emma Arns broke the story – reporting that the Vocal Intensity A Cappella group limits certain solos to people of color.
The university claimed that giving a white kid a solo from say a song originally performed by a black artist would be considered cultural appropriation.
Mark Phillips had been a member of the group for three years – he was their beatboxer. He pointed out in a letter to group leaders that the ban on white people seemed to be at odds with equal opportunity and they might be in violation of the university’s anti-discrimination policy.
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“I fully respect concerns about authenticity, but I also believe that whoever gives the strongest performance should be given the chance,” he wrote. “Art, music, and culture are meant to be shared and celebrated, not gatekept.”
In response, the group’s executive board placed Mark on probation and demanded that he appear before a disciplinary hearing to plead his case.
“(Your) message goes against University Anti-Discrimination policy as well as article 3.2.5 of our constitution, stating we do not stand for discrimination of any kind,” they wrote.
The group readily admitted that they had forbidden white singers to perform the song, “Last Time (I Seen the Sun).”
Instead of appearing before the kangaroo court – Mark resigned.
“My only crime was advocating for equality for everyone, regardless of skin color. I raised a valid concern, discussed the definition of discrimination and held a mirror up to what they were doing. In their eyes, anti-white discrimination is okay, but challenging that precedent isn’t,” Phillips told Campus Reform.
“What I really want is for people to bring common sense back and stop pretending that people of color are oppressed in this country. I want people to realize that we are meant to celebrate what we have in common instead of dividing and fighting over our differences,” Phillips said.
And there you have it, folks. Anti-white discrimination is alive and well at Kent State University.
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