#United States #Bears Ears #Prescott College #Prescott #Grand Staircase

Prescott College's Stand Against Public Land Rollbacks

On July 24, 2026, Prescott College publicly denounced the ongoing erosion of public land protections, particularly concerning sacred landscapes managed by Tribal nations. This announcement stems from recent policy shifts impacting areas like Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, which hold immense cultural and environmental significance. The college's leadership, including Faculty Director Cecil Goodman, expresses deep concern over these actions, highlighting the need for solidarity with Indigenous communities deeply rooted in these landscapes.

The Importance of Sacred Landscapes

Cecil Goodman emphasized, “As a Prescott College faculty and community member, I am heartbroken by the attacks on Bears Ears and Escalante National Monuments, and the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition.” He articulated that these landscapes are not just geographical sites; they embody a collective belief system characterized by a vital relationship with the environment, crucial to the Indigenous community's identity. The college has long valued the ecological and cultural lessons learned from these lands, viewing them as platforms for experiential education that delve into crucial subjects like ecology, public policy, social justice, and Indigenous knowledge.

Prescott College traditionally leverages the rich diversity of the Colorado Plateau in its curriculum, where students actively engage with the area’s mesas, canyons, rivers, and deserts. This hands-on learning approach drives home the importance of ecological stewardship and the need for effective public land management. Goodman’s heartfelt words reflect a broader sentiment within the academic community, recognizing the crucial role of both scientific research and traditional ecological knowledge in maintaining and nurturing these landscapes.

The Call for Action

Alongside these declarations, Prescott College encourages university members and the wider community to champion the cause of public land protections. The college is urging individuals to:

• - Support Advocacy Groups: Engaging with organizations committed to public land protection, such as the Outdoor Alliance.
• - Stay Informed: Stay educated about federal land management policies and public comment opportunities.
• - Contact Representatives: Reach out to elected officials to advocate for science-based conservation methods and to support co-management efforts with Tribal nations.

In a similar vein, Dr. Mike Riley, a faculty member in Adventure Education, reiterated his condemnation of the attacks on public lands. “I condemn the continued attacks on public lands, most recently evidenced by the shrinking of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments,” he stated, pointing out the significance these areas hold not only for environmental sustainability but also for the educational integrity of Prescott College.

The monumental landscapes serve as both classrooms and living laboratories where students can learn the intricacies of natural systems and the importance of leadership in stewardship practices. This learning is vital as Prescott College aims to prepare students as informed citizens dedicated to advocating for environmental and social justice.

A Unified Front for the Future

Prescott College continues to be a beacon for environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, urging its community to rally behind principles that uphold the rights and responsibilities towards these sacred lands. The college's commitment to fostering relationships with Tribal nations and other advocacy groups emphasizes a holistic approach to education that ensures the sustainability of such landscapes for future generations. The message is clear: protecting these areas is vital not just for the ecological health but for honoring the cultural identities that have thrived there for generations.

As the struggle for public land protections continues, the voices from Prescott College stand firm, calling for educational understandings that marry experiential learning with strong advocacy for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. As they move forward, the college remains dedicated to ensuring that future exploration of these public lands remains accessible, thus enriching the educational experiences of all students who enter their classroom of the great outdoors.