By: Jaycie Dodd
FAYETTVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas officials are preparing to celebrate 150 years since the campus was founded. The university prides itself on its history and traditions, but some of those traditions are outdated.
“The University of Arkansas is very much about tradition,” said senior Jasmine Bruce, “some of that is in the best ways possible, and some in the worst ways possible.”
Bruce earned a spot on the 2017-2018 Razorback cheerleading team. She recalls being told in High School that she won’t make the team because she doesn’t fit the traditional cookie-cutter image that comes with being an Arkansas cheerleader.
“Being biracial, there were things I wish I would have known before coming here and being on a team that is so traditional in their ways.” said Bruce.
Bruce said when she tried out of the team, she didn’t see anyone that looked like her.
“I wanted to see someone that looked like me,” said Bruce, “I wanted to be there and be that voice and that image for young girls.”
After the #blackatuark movement this summer Bruce said she thinks the University is finally opening its eyes to change. She said the University has come a long way, but there is still more work to be done.
Looking to the future Bruce hopes to see more diversity and inclusion across the campus community.