The message below was sent to students, faculty, and staff on May 30, 2020 and to alumnae/i on June 1, 2020.
Dear Members of the ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ Community,
With you, we are experiencing deep grief and anger about the continued violence against black people. The recent racial violence – including the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by police and of Ahmaud Arbery, who was gunned down while jogging; the false accusation of Central Park bird watcher Christian Cooper; and the death of New York City teacher Rana Mungin, who died after being twice denied a COVID-19 test – underscore, once again, the toll of structural racism and violence on black people in the United States. Racism is an underlying condition that continues to affect who lives and who dies.
While we know we cannot fully understand the impact on each of you, we share the emotions of grief and anger, and we are holding you in the light of care and support. We reaffirm our commitment to racial justice and equity. We resolve to make a ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ education one that exposes the roots of structural racism and works to dismantle those structures in our own community and the broader world. We also acknowledge that racism is a ubiquitous aspect of social, political, and economic life and that we have a responsibility to abolish it.
Though many of us are isolated from one another during the outbreak of COVID-19, the ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ community remains connected by our shared values and commitment. Students who wish to find support or opportunities for action can reach out to the Pensby Center, the Career and Civic Engagement Center, and the Dean’s Office. Faculty and staff can reach out for support to the President and Provost.
We are holding you in our thoughts,
Kim Cassidy, Mary Osirim, Sharon Burgmayer and Jennifer Walters