We join together in heartbreak over the racism we continue to see in our nation. We mourn with the family and loved ones of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor and so many others who have been the victims of violence and injustice.
I have said it before, but it bears repeating: there is no place for hate here, and there is no more important task than creating a place where all are welcome to learn, work, and live – without fear of racial violence or any other form of oppression.
While there are no simple solutions, I firmly believe our university's mission and values are part of the answer. We will not be silent. We will continue to take swift and meaningful action in response to incidents of racism and provide a place of hope and opportunity.
Learning anti-racism must be an active part of the IUP curriculum so we all become educated and thoughtful leaders, able and ready to step up and change the world.
We need everyone to be part of the solution. In the next week, students will hear from the Division of Student Affairs about opportunities to continue the important work of actively supporting our students and educating everyone about anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion. All constructive comments, suggestions, and points of view are welcome. IUP's Office of Social Equity has a great amount of information and resources available to you, including ways to report incidents of racism.
We are in this together, we are here for each other, we are here for you.
Michael A. Driscoll
President
