Eleven months have passed since the horrific Memorial Day killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Today, a jury has rendered its verdict in the case against Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd.
While you may find some solace with today’s decision, this remains a difficult, painful and emotionally draining time for many of our community members, especially our students, staff and faculty of color.
In the months since George Floyd was murdered, painful tragedy has compounded upon painful tragedy: continuing violence toward Black and Brown people, a wave of anti-Asian violence, the mass shooting in Atlanta, a recent shooting in Indianapolis killing eight—including four in the city’s Sikh community.
Whatever you are feeling today, please know that I am here in solidarity with you and our community is here to support you.
As the chancellor shared in his message on Monday, I want to remind you of some of the support resources that are available: counseling for students through the Habif Health and Wellness Center and counseling for faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program, Work-Life Solutions.
Further support is also available from the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Diversity Programs and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
As the past months have affirmed, the jury’s judgment today is not the final word. We remain duty bound to strive toward solidifying our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access at WashU Olin.
Pictured above: Protesters rally and march on March 8 in New York City’s Bryant Park on first day of police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial in the killing of George Floyd. Photo courtesy Shutterstock.
