President Collins sent this message to the University Community on 4/18
University Community,
This past Thursday, the defense for Derek Chauvin rested in the George Floyd murder trial in Minnesota and closing arguments begin this week. For so many, this has been hard and re-traumatizing.
As we face this moment, please keep the needs of the Black community at the center of your thoughts and actions, especially as we recently witnessed yet more devastating death of black men and boys by police. For our Black students, colleagues, and wider community members please know you are seen and heard and we are here for you.
As Golden Knights, irrespective of the trial outcome, I am asking each of us to keep supporting and listening to each other and to look at how we can impact change in society through our own actions and influence those around us in order to make the world a better place. We should be doing this everyday without prompting by national news and global events.
One verdict in one trial will not change that systemic racism exists in society today.
One verdict in one trial will not change that there are good actors and bad actors in the justice system.
One verdict in one trial will not change the responsibility we already have to use our values, our education and our research for the public good across all spectrums of society.
We re-dedicate the institution to these values.
The presidents of the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley have asked our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion staff to bring our campuses together when a verdict is reached for a joint statement of our continued commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; to not only our university communities but the broader communities where we live, work and study.
Sincerely,
Anthony G. Collins, President