Native students want U of Arizona head to apologize for quip
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A group of University of Arizona students is demanding the school’s president apologize for remarks he made using Native American stereotypes.
Members of Native SOAR, a university mentoring program for Native American students, posted on social media Sunday that they want a face-to-face apology from President Robert Robbins.
According to the group, Robbins unexpectedly visited a class last month.
He reportedly said he wasn’t trying to “pull an Elizabeth Warren” but he thought he had a DNA test done because he might be part Cherokee. But he planned to get re-tested because of his “very high cheekbones.”
The group also wants Robbins to open a position on his senior leadership team for someone who can represent tribal communities.
Representatives for the university did not immediately return emails seeking comment Monday.