Dear Roosevelt Community,
This afternoon, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd.
For a year now since George Floyd’s killing, millions of activists have joined the calls for justice. It’s a relief, certainly, to see this case end with some semblance of justice. We have witnessed the impact of organizing through incremental, but positive progress toward racial equity.
True justice will require the eradication of any existing white supremacism in policing. The same institution took the life of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, traumatized and abused Anjanette Young, and claimed young father Daunte Wright, only miles from where George Floyd was killed. And police violence has affected too many more whose names we’ll never know.
My heart breaks for the Black and Brown communities at Roosevelt University, and the many who are still mourning, still afraid and still hurting. I know you’re tired of reading statements and witnessing the same brutal acts of state-sanctioned violence. What we need is action.
True justice will mean dismantling racist, classist and sexist systems of oppression. It means a frank examination of ourselves and the institutions to which we belong. It means standing together with Black and Brown communities. It means challenging hate, bias and discrimination when we encounter it.
In the coming weeks, Roosevelt will host a discussion on police violence and the Derek Chauvin Trial. In this panel discussion, Roosevelt University scholars will decode the legal implications of the trial over George Floyd’s death. We’ll also reflect on how police violence affects individuals and communities. Details are forthcoming.
Cornel West reminds us that “justice is what love looks like in public.” In the midst of your outrage and anger, please remember to check-in on the ones you love, and to be there for your community. Students, please remember to take advantage of free counseling services at roosevelt.edu/counseling. Faculty and staff can access mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Sincerely,
Ali R. Malekzadeh, Ph.D.
President