To NC State's Graduate Community,

The events of last week that began with the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis have left me and numerous others from all walks of life angry, saddened and frustrated. Coming on the heels of the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, it is difficult, if not impossible, to understand these senseless acts.

The terrible images of Floyd’s murder have led to anger and outrage that have spilled out into America’s streets, at a time when we are still struggling with a global pandemic. COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted African Americans and other minority groups, revealing healthcare disparities that are yet another sign of the inequalities inherent in our society.

For far too long, we have not addressed the systemic racism and injustice that continue to plague our society. It is very troubling to see that, as a country, we still have such a long way to go to address these issues.

As an institution of higher education, we have a responsibility, not just to advance diversity and inclusion, but to fight injustice and racism. We value the diversity that is a hallmark of our graduate student and postdoc body at NC State. We have numerous initiatives in place devoted to the recruitment, enrollment, inclusion and success of underrepresented students, but there is still much more work to be done.

I know that many of the members of our graduate community are struggling to comprehend the violence against people of color. While we must address these issues on a national and community level, if there is anything I can do as dean of the Graduate School to help our students, postdocs, faculty and staff, I want you to reach out to me via email. Taking action at the level that we can control is a first step in a positive direction.

In her Statement Regarding the Event in Minneapolis, Sheri Schwab, vice provost for institutional equity and diversity, shares a list of resources, including NC State’s Counseling Center, that can provide support in these difficult times. In his statement to the university, Chancellor Randy Woodson addresses Grief, Anger and Needed Change. I would also encourage students to reach out to mentors and leaders in your graduate programs if you need help.

I am always inspired by our graduate community’s ability to solve problems by applying NC State’s Think and Do approach to the grand challenges that face us. The issues that these recent incidents have laid bare is one of those. We all have a shared duty to promote justice and equity in these difficult times. I ask that we come together as a community to reflect on who we are, who we want to be, and how we engage with each other as members of one Pack.