Dear Campus Community:
The acts of racism and civil unrest we have seen over the past week, sparked by the brutal death of George Floyd, have created emotional anguish amongst many in our community. Today, a memorial service for George Floyd will be held in Minneapolis. His death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, who kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, have created emotional anguish amongst many in our community. I would like to ask the entire Woodbury community to observe a moment of silence and reflection for 8 minutes and 46 seconds at 12:45 p.m. Pacific Time to coincide with Floyd’s memorial service.
I have received questions from many of you looking for resources, suggestions on ways to meaningfully help and guidance on how to show up for our Black colleagues in our community. As we fight for equality and against racism together, know that acknowledging the issue is not enough. We must all continue to speak up and have a dialogue. Staying silent is part of the problem.
As an institution committed to building a University that values engagement in addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusiveness, as well as dedicated to education and change, I would encourage faculty, staff and students in each school, department and individual courses to develop activities that take on issues of social justice. As a University that emphasizes coursework that engages with the real world, these activities can affect real change in our communities through the framework of our academic programs. We ask that you work with your Deans and Chairs to develop potential programming.
Our partners at DiversityEd shared the attached list of resources to “Educate Yourself”. This includes several resources to help increase your knowledge. Please take some time to educate yourself. Also, look for upcoming Diversity training opportunities, as we continue to build skills for an Inclusive Culture at Woodbury.
Let me express my gratitude again for your resilience, commitment, and team efforts during these unprecedented times.
Sincerely,
David
Here are a list of resources and advocacy organizations that are working on racial and social justice reforms: