A music professor at the University of Michigan is now facing criticism after showing the 1965 film “Othello” with Laurence Olivier in blackface.
The class, taught by Bright Sheng, will receive a new professor to “allow for a positive learning environment”. David Gier, dean of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance made the announcement.
Gier stated, “Professor Sheng’s actions do not align with our school’s commitment to anti-racist action, diversity, equity and inclusion”. Sheng has been reported to the Office of Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX.
Students became upset after being shown the Shakespeare adaptation where Olivier’s face was covered in black make-up.
Olivia Cook, one of the students in the class, told the Michigan Daily, “In such a school that preaches diversity and making sure that they understand the history of POC in America, I was shocked that [Sheng] would show something like this in something that’s supposed to be a safe space”.
Following the showing of the film, Sheng reached out to his students to apologize. He called the film “racially insensitive and outdated”.
He also apologized to the department, saying, “I am a teacher representing the university and I should have thought of this more diligently and fundamentally”. ‘I apologize that this action was offensive and has made you angry. It also has made me lost your trust,” he added.
His apology was criticized by students after he listed the number of African American people with whom he’s worked.
A graduate student called his apology the “bare minimum” and said “I feel like there’s still a lack of trust there because none of us think he is actually sorry”.