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Posted on 12/05/2025 1:30:32 PM PST by WhiteHatBobby0701
An a cappella group at Kent State University in Ohio allegedly banned white students from auditioning for certain solos and disciplined a longtime member for questioning the race-based policy.
Emails obtained by Campus Reform display how Vocal Intensity A Cappella limited certain solos to “people of color,” claiming white students would be engaging in “cultural appropriation” if they were to perform them.
Mark Phillips, a three-year member and the a cappella group’s beatboxer, contacted a board member to inquire about how the exclusion of white students aligned with Kent State’s anti-discrimination policies. Phillips suggested the limitation seemed “at odds with equal opportunity” in his message to the executive board.
“I fully respect concerns about authenticity, but I also believe that whoever gives the strongest performance should be given the chance,” he wrote. “Art, music, and culture are meant to be shared and celebrated, not gatekept.”
In response, the board accused him of violating the university’s anti-discrimination policy, placed him on probation, and scheduled a disciplinary hearing requiring him to “plead his case” before the entire group.
The board later reaffirmed its position, confirming that the solos would remain restricted to black students unless overturned by a vote.
According to the group’s constitution, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, and Kent State University’s policy also bans racial discrimination and specifically retaliation against students who challenge it.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act earlier this year, restricting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices across public universities. The anti-DEI bill explicitly prohibits race-based advantages, and to “provide [students] equality of opportunity, with regard to those individuals’ race,” as stated in Senate Bill 1.
While university guidelines prohibit discrimination, the board prepared a process that included a closed board hearing, potential permanent removal, and even a potential several months-long suspension.
Phillips ultimately resigned, calling the process a “performative ambush designed as a hearing.”
In his resignation letter, Phillips wrote: “I argued for equal treatment. The eagerness to twist my words shows a lack of honesty and critical thought. Denying opportunities based on skin color is discrimination by definition.”
He says he was punished, not for misconduct, but for opposing the discriminatory behavior.
“My only crime was advocating for equality for everyone, regardless of skin color. I raised a valid concern, discussed the definition of discrimination and held a mirror up to what they were doing. In their eyes, anti-white discrimination is okay, but challenging that precedent isn’t,” Phillips told Campus Reform.
“What I really want is for people to bring common sense back and stop pretending that people of color are oppressed in this country. I want people to realize that we are meant to celebrate what we have in common instead of dividing and fighting over our differences,” Phillips said.
Campus Reform has contacted Kent State University and the Vocal Intensity A Cappella group for comment. This article will be updated accordingly.
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Joe Walsh (a white guy) should cancel his Kent State scholarship then.
This is de facto racial discrimination.
In plain Ebonics English, “Da’s raciss.”
Right. I’d like to see them explain “Hamilton.”
The nearest Vikings are found at The Cleveland State University
Check yo zip code.
I fully respect concerns about authenticity, but I also believe that whoever gives the strongest performance should be given the chance,” he wrote. “Art, music, and culture are meant to be shared and celebrated, not gatekept.”
He’s right, but that train left the station a long time ago in most cases.
Calling on President Trump to remove federal funding due to racial discrimination practices. That ought to get their attention.
Grape mimes. 😁👍
Yup. Sue them.
By that logic, blacks should not be permitted to perform classical music or dance the ballet.
By that logic, blacks should not be permitted to perform classical music or dance the ballet.
Especially Swan Lake!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbBzyTJPt30
We sang/played on a friend's composition recital. I got to play alto flute. That was a cool gig.
“I get no kick from champagne.....”
And the Count Basie Orchestra!
Mark Phillips, a three-year member and the a cappella group’s beatboxer, contacted a board member to inquire about how the exclusion of white students aligned with Kent State’s anti-discrimination policies.
The exclusion of white students aligns with Kent State's pro-discrimination policies.
Yep! They would kill us if they could. They just can’t get away with it....(yet).
Big time.
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