The mission of our university aims to create an environment that situates students to become "thoughtful, engaged citizens of the world." The university states that this is "accomplished through a broad and balanced array of programs where well-prepared students and dedicated scholars and artists collaborate with our local and global communities in the creation, integration, application, and dissemination of knowledge. In this way, UNT creates an enriched and sustainable future for our students, state, nation and world." 

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We asked - how is that possible when we still recognize a holiday that is dedicated to a false "discovery" of land which was already inhabited by tribal nations? How does this affect our Native and Indigenous students, and what does this say about our university? After meeting with UNT President Neal Smatresk in fall of 2019, UNT declared the inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day on campus and promoted NASA's public event on the Sage Lawn featuring American Indian artist vendors, educators, stickball demonstrations, and food.