Racism and Our Charge
Posted June 1, 2020
Dear Colleagues, For the last few months, many of us have focused our attention on the conditions of the pandemic and its impact on our lives, our communities, and our world. While doing so, we were reminded that social inequality persists as we saw racial disparities emerge in the experience and outcomes of COVID-19. African Americans have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in the U.S. The roots of these outcomes run deep in our history with threads through economic, political and social disparities. Nevertheless, we are reminded that systemic and institutional racism has dramatic implications for African Americans. The work is far from over. Black Lives Matter.
I am deeply saddened and outraged at the persistence of white supremacy in our country. The violence and murder have left me shaken, but these events cannot leave any of us stalled. The list of names of persons who have been killed and affected continues to grow. Our collective will must be catalyzed by our intolerance of these hateful actions. We exist within a system that must be transformed and reimagined to be just and equitable, because Black Lives Matter.
For our African American and black colleagues, I want you to know that I see and hear your pain, frustration and anger. I see your silence and sadness. I know many of you may feel as if you must hide those feelings, but the feelings are still pervasive and real. I recognize that we must change. I can’t imagine the anguish, frustration, and full scope of feelings and experiences you have. I do know I have important work to do to continue learning and to support healing within our University community, so that we can make a difference in equity and justice beyond our walls.
For my white colleagues, please join me in reflecting on what we can do as individuals and collectively to be better allies. I have been reading and learning new strategies to push myself to do more, personally and professionally. I hope you will do the same, but I also challenge you to commit to creating a campus community and contributing to an educational environment where Black Lives Matter and where educational opportunity is inclusive, equitable and just. It will take work.
For all members of our community, the promise of higher education can be realized, but it will not be achieved if we are unable to confront this reality and believe that Black Lives Matter.
For faculty colleagues, if you are interested in developing programming for this summer or next academic year, please reach out and let me know. Whether through faculty or staff development opportunities, academic programming for the campus, teach-ins, book clubs or other actions, we need to focus intently on what we can do together to support a just, equitable and inclusive community. Our black students, staff and faculty need evidence that their lives matter to all of us. Our campus should be a safe space, and we will not achieve that goal without a collective commitment and action. I will be working with the leadership team of the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center and the IMPACT Academy, an addition to our Center for Faculty Development and Innovation, to expand our programming.
As you hear that the pandemic has caused such disruption that higher education will be inalterably changed, please know that our changes should not mean a future of exclusively online or remote learning or one in which we reduce our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The stakes are too high to give up on the possibilities of education, particularly what is made possible when diverse groups come together. The power of on-ground activities at college campuses is ever relevant. We need opportunities to sit in a physical classroom or work in labs, studios, and other spaces with people who are different than ourselves. We need to hear the narratives and experiences of people who do not share our paths, whether we do so on-ground or online. We have work to do.
Sadness and grief are real and experienced differently. We can support each other through this turmoil, but we must also work toward the end and to justice. Peniel E. Joseph wrote in The Washington Post (5/29), “Change in our lifetime is possible, however, painstaking and inadequate. George Floyd’s memory offers more heartbreaking inspiration to finally achieve the dignity and citizenship that remain the beating heart of the black freedom struggle.” We cannot afford to be bystanders. The stakes are too high.
Sincerely,
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs
