05/30/2020
The most recent bystander video of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis draws an unmistakable, eerie resemblance to the death of Eric Garner in 2014. In the wake of the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breaonna Taylor, Dreasjon Reed and countless others known or unknown, we are reminded of the violence towards Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) – often followed by delayed or denied justice - are all too familiar in our nation's history and collective conscience. We grieve with the families and friends of those whose lives have been taken.
It is important to have an impact on addressing social issues that create disparities among BIPOC and marginalized groups. We applaud the leadership shown by the University of Minnesota in their response to hold the Minneapolis Police Department accountable and uphold their responsibility to remain true to their values.
As an institution that is committed to Inclusive Excellence and Diversity, Alliant International University denounces all forms of racism and discrimination. There is no quick fix to addressing systemic racism and oppression, but we must be willing to do better and confront our own power and privilege even when it is uncomfortable.
Being an ally takes action. Do so by joining non-violent protests and/or movements, volunteering or donating to organizations that benefit disadvantaged and marginalized communities, learn and teach your children to break oppressive behaviors and inequitable systems, contact local officials to support policies and hold individuals accountable that lift up minority communities.
We cannot go back to "normal", we must evolve and embrace a "new normal" that ensures the safety and dignity of our community and the communities that we serve.