Native faculty at Arizona university call for removal of assistant vice provost over student safety concerns

Six Native American faculty members at the University of Arizona are calling for the removal of the assistant vice provost for the Office of Native American Initiatives, citing concerns about student safety and a harmful campus environment, according to reporting by Arizona Mirror. In a letter to the university’s president, Suresh Garimella, and other administrators, the faculty group alleged that Tessa L. Dysart has caused “severe harm” to the UA Native community since her 2024 appointment.

The faculty said it found Dysart’s actions to be unprofessional and intimidating towards students. They also criticized Dysart’s qualifications and her connection to the termination of Julian Juan, former director of Native American Student Affairs. The letter, signed by nearly 100 faculty, students and alumni, urges the university to remove Dysart, reinstate Juan and restructure Native student support services. UofA has not responded to requests for comment, according to the Arizona Mirror.