Anti-Racism at SIUE

To the SIUE Community: 

A few moments ago, the jury in the Derek Chauvin trial returned their verdict. Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.  

While we may have different lived experiences and responses to the verdict, we are hopefully united in the belief that George Floyd’s life mattered and that all Black lives matter. Our hearts remain with Mr. Floyd’s family in their grief. 

It is critical to acknowledge that the trial—and now, its conclusion may have evoked strong and difficult emotions for many members of our community; emotions that have undoubtedly been amplified by the recent fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by a police officer in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota and the release of the body-worn camera footage showing the shooting death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo by a Chicago police officer on March 29. 

During this time of racial reckoning in our nation, and especially, considering these and other events, it is important that we stand together and support one another.  At noon tomorrow, April 21, we will hold space for students, faculty, and staff.  Tomorrow’s virtual session will be moderated by Courtney Boddie, Director of Counseling Services and Associate Dean of Students for Diversity and Inclusion and Kathryn Bentley, Associate Professor, Theater and Dance and Director of Black Studies and the IMPACT Academy. Please click here for access to the virtual space. 

In addition to being present for one another, it is also important to support members of the campus community with understanding the Chauvin trial and its outcome, not only in view of a broader history of policing and race, but also its implications for the present and future of our nation and campus. On Thursday, April 22 at 2:30pm, the Division for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will host an interdisciplinary panel of SIUE faculty, staff, and students who will offer a range of perspectives and analyses. Dr. Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dr. Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration will co-moderate the panel. Please click here to register. All SIUE students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate.   

At SIUE we stand firm in our commitment to anti-racism.  As we continue forward in service to our mission to shape a changing world, let us consider these words by poet and activist Amanda Gorman, a reminder to all of us that SIUE’s future is ours to shape; and that the realization of equity, inclusion, and racial justice will only come through intentional and persistent actions: 

"We will not be turned around
or interrupted by intimidation,
because we know our inaction and inertia
will be the inheritance of the next generation.
Our blunders become their burdens.
But one thing is certain,
If we merge mercy with might,
and might with right,
then love becomes our legacy,
and change our children's birthright." 

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor   
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs   
Jessica Harris, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement   
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration 
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs