Dear Students,
One of the reasons I write to you each week is to keep us connected as a community, especially when our community is suffering. Part of being a community is recognizing the fact that our Black students, faculty, and staff experience the world in inequitable ways, and this happens because of racism and injustice, which demand our collective attention. The senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others have brought this into the current public consciousness, but the underlying issues behind this suffering are longstanding. They were built in long ago and their legacy persists, including right here in our college and university.
Change won't come from me or others pretending to have a quick fix. Still, I can realize when it is time to hear from others, including students about their lived experiences every day. I can recognize when I need to listen more and lift up the voices around me that are often silenced or overshadowed. I can recognize that those voices are calling for more than just solidarity; they're calling for action. In that spirit, I am offering the CNS Diversity & Inclusion Committee's statement. I encourage you to read it and ask for everyone to join us in doing the hard work of change.
Best,
Dr. Vanden Bout
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