This message was originally sent by e-mail to faculty, staff, and students on May 31, 2020.
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff:
Since we began confronting COVID-19 on campus, we have emphasized the seriousness with which we take the health and well-being of each of you. The unrest across our nation following the wrongful killing of George Floyd is a stark reminder that COVID-19 is only one of the significant challenges facing our country. At a time when there is so much pain and sadness, it is important to listen and learn from one another. I find some solace in knowing that the College of Law’s mission is organized around the pursuit of justice. Serving justice is an important responsibility. Thus, in addition to listening and learning, it is also up to us to help solve the deep and longstanding problems that give rise to injustice.
Below you will find the message from President Harreld and Provost Fuentes (https://apps.its.uiowa.edu/dispatch/messages/view/31f0ca1d-94d7-4777-859...) on the George Floyd killing including statements of university values and links to important campus resources. Our community is ready to help and I hope that we can contribute to solutions.
Respectfully,
Kevin Washburn
***
The anger, sadness, and fear felt by our community, and specifically Black communities across our nation, over the killing of George Floyd are justified. This is not a new phenomenon and the Black community is, we are sure, exhausted from the constant trauma and pain of being the recipients of mistreatment by those who are tasked with serving and protecting communities—the police.
There is also disappointment, frustration, and pain due to the continued disproportionate police brutality against people of color, specifically the Black community. These inequalities manifest themselves economically and socially. No one should feel their race or any aspect of their identity makes them a target for violence. Addressing inequality requires changing hearts, minds, and systems, and the University of Iowa will continue to work toward that goal through actions. To that end, we will release an update to our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan, which our community has developed, this coming week.
Over the past several days, the images from across our nation are difficult to comprehend and elicit a range of feelings. While we will engage with these emotions individually, and on our own timeline, one thing is clear—together we must act. Each of us must lead change within our individual communities to actively disrupt racism (interpersonal, systemic, and societal).
As you know, on our campus and within our community:
We will not tolerate anything but a safe and inclusive campus for people of all backgrounds. We will not tolerate hate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or country of origin.
We value the First Amendment and freedom of expression and believe civil discourse and the respectful exchange of ideas are the cornerstones of higher education and this great institution.
We are here to help. Many resources are available and we encourage you to reach out and ask for help.
Campus resources
Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 319-335-0705
Office of the Ombudsperson, 319-335-3608
Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC), 319-335-1486
Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP), 319-335-6000
Student resources
University Counseling Service, 319-335-7294
Office of the Dean of Students, 319-335-1162
Campus Inclusion Team, 319-335-1162
Center for Diversity and Enrichment, 319-335-3555
Graduate College Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, 319-335-2144
Academic Support and Retention, 319-335-1497
Student Disability Services, 319-335-1462, TTY 319-335-1498
Faculty and staff resources
UI Employee Assistance Program, 319-335-2085
Faculty and Staff Disability Services, 319-335-2660, TTY 319-335-3495
Together we are better.
Bruce Harreld, president
Montse Fuentes, executive vice president and provost