Social Justice Campus Message
Posted September 24, 2020
On March 13, 2020, we were reminded, yet again, about the stark reality of life and death when Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, a Black woman and perhaps most importantly, a fellow human being, lost her life during a police raid in her place of residence. As you probably know by now, this shooting death involved three officers, one of whom was indicted yesterday on three counts of wanton endangerment.
From recurrent social media posts to masks worn by athletes to t-shirts at rallies, we have seen a sustained outcry for justice. During this week’s SIU System Conversation of Understanding, racial trauma and mental health were center stage. Events like Ms. Taylor’s death and the grand jury’s decision contribute to race-based traumatic stress, including psychological injury and fear for personal safety. We reach out to our colleagues at SIUE and particularly to our Black colleagues at this time in recognizing this as a moment of extreme difficulty. We see your pain, honor it and advocate for a world where lives are not touched by events such as these.
Our commitment to change is rooted in our actions at SIUE, including new appointments, new searches, new policies and greater levels of support, but most importantly our actions in speaking out.
Dr. Courtney Boddie has advised that our search for a faculty and staff counselor is nearing its completion. We hope you will utilize this resource in the near future.
Let us support each other in these difficult moments and remain resolute in the pursuit and support of social justice, equity, and inclusion.
Be well.
Randy Pembrook, Chancellor
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Rich Walker, Vice Chancellor for Administration
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
