Susannah “Sukie” Keita

My students’ freedom of speech and freedom of expression was threatened during the election season of 2020. Students in Grand Canyon University’s Department of Dance were to perform a piece that highlighted people who suffer brutality and death at the hands of police. It was a sensitive portrait that was co-created by students and faculty. When the dean of our private Christian university acted to silence their voices, they protested during the live-streamed concert. What I have taken away from this devastating experience is that free speech within our public institutions must be protected. It is absolutely critical.