Prescott College Criticizes Rollback of Public Land Protections

Prescott College has publicly condemned recent efforts to reduce protections for public lands in the United States, highlighting the erosion of tribal leadership in their stewardship. The educational institution specifically referenced actions impacting Bears Ears and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monuments.

The college stated that these measures undermine the conservation of areas where Indigenous peoples have historically played a crucial role in land management. Cecil Goodman, Ph.D., Faculty & Director of Adventure Education at Prescott College, described the situation as heartbreaking and emphasized the need to support tribal nations and their long-standing stewardship practices, alongside educators and conservation groups working to protect these landscapes.

For over fifty years, Prescott College has integrated the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau—its canyons, rivers, and deserts—into its curriculum. The college emphasizes experiential learning, where students engage with ecology, conservation, Indigenous knowledge, public policy, and environmental and social justice through direct experience in these environments.

Prescott College is encouraging its community to become involved in public land protection. Recommendations include supporting organizations that advocate for conservation, learning from tribal organizations managing Bears Ears, staying informed about public comment periods on land management, and contacting elected officials to express support for science-based conservation and co-management with tribal nations.