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April 20, 2021
UT Statement on Derek Chauvin Trial
The Derek Chauvin trial verdict is a substantive marker in this country’s history. Almost a year ago we wrote to you outraged and confounded by the inhumanity witnessed in the death of George Floyd and many others. In the intervening months, we have witnessed additional deaths of Black men and women, a wave of violence against Asian Americans and other manifestations of systemic racism.
In the intervening months, Values to Action: UT’s Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been at work to recommend actions that UT can take to become more diverse, more inclusive and more equitable.
The Derek Chauvin trial verdict is a substantive marker in this country’s history. Almost a year ago we wrote to you outraged and confounded by the inhumanity witnessed in the death of George Floyd and many others. In the intervening months, we have witnessed additional deaths of Black men and women, a wave of violence against Asian Americans and other manifestations of systemic racism.
In the intervening months, Values to Action: UT’s Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been at work to recommend actions that UT can take to become more diverse, more inclusive and more equitable. We are beginning the rollout of the report this week, and announcements about opportunities to learn about its recommendations and first action steps are forthcoming for next week.
As you reflect on this moment, we urge you to use your voice in a peaceful and productive manner. Your knowledge and experience can help address the societal problems that have been so clearly exposed. Much work remains, and we must combat racism in all forms.
If you need support, there are a variety of resources:
- If you have been impacted by current events, need support and would like to speak to a counselor, please contact counseling@ut.edu.
- For student organization support, please contact Erika Buckley, associate director of leadership and diversity, ebuckley@ut.edu.
- To report any bias incidents in the UT community, the Bias Education Resource Team is available and can be contacted at BERT@ut.edu.
Take care of yourself and each other. Know your Spartan community is always here for you.
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