COMMUNITY UPDATE: Message from UHCL Leadership Regarding the Chauvin Trial

Dear students, alumni, faculty and staff:

Many in our community have been profoundly impacted by the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. It is my hope that the family of George Floyd found some solace, a measure of relief that justice has been served in this tragic case, in the jury’s verdict of guilty on all counts.

Though today’s conviction cannot bring back Mr. Floyd, it does offer a hopeful signal of change and inflection for our country. An opportunity to examine and continue to confront the effects of generations of systemic racism, which has had a profoundly negative impact on many other communities of color.

As an institution of higher learning, we have a responsibility to elevate the discourse regarding race, ethnicity, social class and all forms of difference to ultimately shed light on injustices, reaffirm, and act on our fundamental belief in the dignity, worth and inherent value of all people. We will continue to do what we do best — educate our students about societal inequities and how to work to constructively fight and eradicate racism and prejudice.

We must work together to advance equity in all its dimensions – and ensure that everyone at our university and in our nation has an opportunity to thrive. I encourage all Hawks to commit daily to rooting out inequities in our policies, procedures and dismantling racism and other prejudices. While we acknowledge that the verdict doesn’t fully address issues of equity, systemic racism and anti-Black violence, we must continue to engage in courageous and difficult conversations and support each other as one community.

We began many of these conversations during this last year with our Black Male Town Hall, Black Women Town Hall, Senior Men of Color meetings and LBGTQIA+ Town Hall. Each group will submit suggestions to help us become a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive community. The next two town halls will focus on our Latinx students, faculty and staff.  As a demonstration of our leadership’s commitment to progress in these areas, the following initiatives are representative of our efforts:

• Academic Affairs will continue to work with faculty through the Center for Engagement, Teaching and Learning to enable innovations and updates that advance equity in curricula;
• University Advancement will continue to partner with the offices of academic and student affairs to create alumni communities charged with giving voice and life-long learning opportunities focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice;
• University Administration and Finance will continue its focus on promoting financial literacy, improved diversity hiring practices, fair and equitable pay practices, and investments in support of our diverse student population; and
• The Division of Student Affairs will continue to support students through student-requested social justice initiatives. This work has fostered the first-ever UHCL Race, Equity, and Inclusion (REI) Workgroup which in conjunction with the Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has implemented ongoing programs to address issues around social justice, equity and training.

Let us not forget George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Daunte Wright. And, heartbreakingly, so many others like them. May their tragically shortened lives inspire us to stand in solidarity to dismantle the reigns of racism and strengthen our resolve to advance equity.

The well-being of our campus community is of utmost importance. We understand many may still be processing the outcome of this trial. If events of the day become overwhelming or if you simply need some guidance or advice, remember that university resources are here to help you at any time:

Counseling Services
281-283-2580

Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
281-283-2575
studentdiversity@uhcl.edu

Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Title IX
281-283-2305
inclusive@uhcl.edu

Psychological Services Clinic (community resource)
281-283-3330
uhclpsc@uhcl.edu

Services for employees are available through Human Resources.

We move forward with resolve and focus on making our community and world a better place…for everyone. We do so with full knowledge that the UHCL family joins us in this important work and for that we are grateful and optimistic.

Sincerely,

Ira K. Blake, Ph.D.
President

Steven J. Berberich, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost

Mark Denney, MBA
Vice President of Administration and Finance

Aaron J. Hart, Ed.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs

Beth Lewis, Ed.D.
Interim Associate Vice President/Chief Operations Officer, UHCL Pearland

Joseph L. Staley, MBA
Vice President of University Advancement

Chris Wagner (‘02 MS)
Chair, UHCL Alumni Association Partnership

Lee Young, Ph.D.
Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management

 

 

Message retrieved from UHCL email communications.

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