Dear CALS faculty, students and staff,
Yesterday, the conviction of Derek Chauvin brought much needed accountability in the murder of George Floyd and served as a stark reminder of the work ahead in a larger system that has long perpetuated violence and systemic oppression against Black Americans. While this work continues, we are still a long way from justice and my heart goes out to the Floyd family and friends.
At the same time that the jury’s verdict was making headlines, in Columbus, Ohio, teenager Ma’kiyah Bryant was shot and killed by a white police officer. This unconscionable tragedy — and others like Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo — is yet another indication of the systemic nature of this problem and the headwinds we face. I join President Pollack in feeling a profound sense of commitment to keep driving racial equity and social justice forward on our own campus and in our surrounding communities.
I recognize that the pandemic has made it more challenging to support each other during these difficult times and that the compounded social issues we’re facing are a source of tremendous stress and pain for so many. On campus, we are also processing the recent passing of student Shawn West. This continual state of grief, rage, anxiety and uncertainty has been hard on everyone, but especially those within Asian, Black, Brown, Indigenous and other minority communities. It is important that we continue to take time and make spaces to process these emotions, provide resources and offer our support to one another.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the community gatherings that President Pollack shared in her message last night. I would like to share some additional opportunities to reflect and recharge below. I urge you all to take a moment to think about what you can do to support those around you.
As we move forward, we remain deeply committed to taking more actions that reaffirm our mission to create an anti-racist and inclusive atmosphere, and I invite you to reach out my office with additional ideas that will help us push for positive change on our campus.
Here are other Cornell support resources available to you:
For everyone
For students
For supervisors
For staff
For staff and faculty
For faculty
Take good care,
Ben
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