Reflections on the Chauvin verdict, and what remains to be done

The following message was sent to all students, faculty and staff by email on April 21.

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Dear Members of the Campus Community,

We take a moment to recognize the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial and the significance of this decision. We know this decision does not diminish the grief of the Floyd family, nor does it erase trauma felt by communities of color in Minnesota and throughout our country. The historic violence perpetrated on Black and brown people is not nullified by this verdict. The work of confronting and dismantling racism remains and takes on greater urgency. We have hope that this becomes an important and powerful moment for truth and a step toward reconciliation. We can take a breath today, but we must recommit tomorrow and as educators we must be light bearers for the way forward.

We also want to share a message from Chancellor Malatras and the SUNY Board of Trustees to the SUNY community.

We are grateful for the colleagues here on campus who have been preparing to support the community. There will be much to process in the days ahead and we hope you will find moments of connection. Let us all remember to hold space for each other through empathy and compassion.

Sincerely,

Donald P. Christian, President

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