January 29, 2021
Today, during a hearing of the Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, Representative Ron Nate (R-Rexburg) grilled Boise State University (BSU) President Dr. Marlene Tromp over social justice initiatives at the University.
In his questioning, Nate stated that the two directors of the Black Lives Matter movement, “are self-described trained Marxists, who seek to dismantle and transform the foundational freedoms of American society.” He went on to say that, “the purpose of education should not be to advance a political cause, yet numerous departments of BSU have issued statements on the BSU website, claiming commitment to this Marxist group, and encouraging students to participate in Marxism. Does BSU plan to continue diverting university resources to this Marxist cause, and encouraging students to consume more BLM content?”
Tromp responded by denying that Boise State uses state funds to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Even so, a post that appears to have been removed from the BSU website (https://www.boisestate.edu/music/blm) reads, “Black Lives Matter. Dear Music Students, Faculty, Staff, and Supporters, The Department of Music at Boise State University stands resolute with the Black Lives Matter movement. We resolve to do better, to keep learning, and embrace our BIPOC students, faculty, and staff, and our University, community, and the world around us with open ears, with open eyes, with open hearts, and with open minds.”
The questioning continued, with Representative Nate saying that his constituents are concerned that BSU is becoming an institution of indoctrination.
Click on the image, below, to watch the exchange between Nate and Tromp.
Rep. Ron Nate tears into BSU President Tromp over school’s social justice initiatives
