Knowing better and doing better

President Christian and I sent a message to the campus community last Friday recognizing the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Abery and George Floyd and all that they signify about the longstanding and ongoing racial violence, indignity and injustice that plague our country and that must be addressed if we are ever to achieve the “American Dream” for all. That message was offered many hours before the unrest that visited several American cities over the weekend. As leaders we know the conversation is not over and we commit ourselves to the individual and collective work that must continue if we are to break down systems of oppression.

This weekend was difficult and traumatizing as I am sure it was for so many. I watched the replaying of a man’s death at the hands of police (by far not the first and sadly not likely to be the last). I watched as an African American journalist was led away in handcuffs. I watched the exhaustion and pain of African American communities across this country play out in protest, vigils and, yes, riots. I watched countless pundits, politicians and “political observers” who could not even speak the words “racism” or “white supremacy.” My heart filled with pain for the families and communities who continue to endure indifference, oppression and violence.

I also had a chance to talk with friends and children, of different ages, about what was occurring. I was heartened by the ways many wanted to deepen their understanding of privilege and the systemic practices that have fueled a history of racism. I was also heartened to see so many name racism and claim their responsibilities as allies to do the work of dismantling racism. I was glad to know these are the people in my life. It was also interesting to see where we struggle to educate each other and our children about these issues.

For myself, to know better is to do better. Even as I understand what my experiences have been with racism, I know I continue to learn from the experiences of others and from those who have dedicated their professional and academic lives to this work. I share this list of anti-racism resources which, while not exhaustive at all, helps me know better, and perhaps it can help you and those in your life know better too.

Tanhena Pacheco Dunn
Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer