Moments ago, a jury in Minneapolis convicted Derek Chauvin on all three charges in the murder of George Floyd.
While this verdict represents a measure of justice, it of course cannot replace the life lost, nor heal the inequities in our society that were highlighted by last summer’s reckoning. For many in our Pace community, and especially in our Black, indigenous, and other communities of color, the pain of Floyd’s death, and the death of so many others, remains raw. Even with today’s conviction, it can feel that our country all too often does not live up to its ideals.
I want to be clear that at Pace University, we value every member of our community, and we remain committed to doing the work to improve our actions and our climate. The work of our Presidential Task Force continues. Prioritization for diversity, equity, and inclusion will be a focus of our new strategic plan. And we are moving forward with the launch of the Gosin Center for Equity and Inclusion, with the overarching goal of increasing opportunities for members of underrepresented groups.
Tomorrow, Chief Diversity Officer Tiffany S.W. Hamilton will host an open space for conversation. Her office will follow up with details. Also remember that the Counseling Centers are always available to members of the Pace Community via telehealth on all three campuses.
Pace is not an island. What goes on in the wider world affects us and impacts our well-being. Let’s continue to work together, support one another, and find ways to do what the Pace Community has always done: be agents of positive change in our communities.
