Cultural Appropriation Statement

Cultural appropriation is the taking or use of elements of another people's culture. Where there is an unequal distribution of money, education and political power between groups of people, as there is here in the United States, it is common for cultural exchange and appreciation to turn into cultural appropriation, in which a member or members of the more powerful group use what they have borrowed, taken or learned from the less powerful group in an inappropriate, disrespectful, exploitative or destructive way, whether with conscious intention to do so or not.

In keeping with its mission to bring traditions of wisdom into the curriculum of modern education while cultivating mindfulness, awareness and heart, Naropa University is committed to respectful and responsible engagement with such traditions. It is the policy of the university that planning of all courses, programs and events sponsored by the university will include vigilance for irresponsible, insensitive or otherwise improper use of customs, lore, ceremonies, rituals, teachings and other materials belonging to or identified with particular cultural or ethnic groups. The university will be responsive to concerns raised regarding issues of cultural appropriation through a formal procedure of registering, investigating and attempting to resolve such concerns.

Naropa University as a whole and its academic departments in particular are responsible for engaging the staff, faculty and students in education about the ethical issues regarding cultural appropriation and the curricular oversight necessary to ensure that awareness of these issues is sustained.