On Monday, the Black Student Union at the University of Utah released a statement on Instagram opposing H.B. 261. 

“The beginning of the semester was filled with truly heartbreaking closures across campus,” the statement read. “All of these centers provided and promoted safety, mental health support, scholarships and an inclusive environment to all students.”

Utah’s state legislature passed H.B. 261 during the 2024 legislative session and prohibits state higher education institutions from engaging in specific initiatives to foster campus diversity. The bill took effect on July 1, resulting in several University of Utah resource center closures.

The U’s handling of H.B. 261 was met with much criticism from students, faculty and staff. BSU’s statement was directed towards the U student body. It addressed the effects that H.B. 261 had on several of the university’s former resource centers and the BSU itself.

The BSU also addressed the contentious issue of funding, noting that under H.B. 261, the university is prohibited from financially supporting organizations that do not align with the bill’s guidelines.

In their statement, the BSU explained their efforts to maintain their status as a university-sponsored entity. However, after attempting to reconcile with the university’s new restrictions, the BSU decided to sever official ties.

“The Black Student Union tried to work with the university as a sponsored entity … We are no longer maintaining sponsorship from the university. We are done staying silent,” the BSU said in its statement.

BSU’s statement also addressed the importance of creating Black Student Unions and their mission. The statement closed with a message to students and a message of solidarity to those affected by the closing of the resource centers.

“To all students who have felt lost … We have not forgotten about you, and we will continue fighting for your place at the University of Utah and beyond,” the BSU concluded.

This story is breaking and may be updated.

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