April 20, 2021: Response to the Chauvin Verdict

Dear Bucknellians,

As Americans continue to come to grips with systemic racial inequity, we write to offer some reflections on the conviction of Derek Chauvin at the conclusion of a long and difficult trial.

Many of us followed the hearings as closely as we were able. We watched, or rewatched, the horrifying video; and we listened to the harrowing accounts of traumatized witnesses. It was difficult but necessary to fully understand what took place on that terrible day, and to begin to grasp the fear and anger that Black Americans experience as part of each day.

Chauvin will be held accountable for George Floyd's death. This is a sobering moment that reminds us not of how far we have come as a society, but of how far we have to go. Indeed, on April 11, a young Black man named Daunte Wright was killed by a police officer during a routine traffic stop — as the Chauvin trial was taking place less than 10 miles away.

In the wake of the trial, we are most struck by the critical importance of taking action — not just by signing petitions, or by posting on social media, but by stepping up in the moment to help those in immediate need. We urge you all to commit, or recommit, to being an ally for people who experience the ongoing impact of racism. We ask you to examine your daily interactions with others and think mindfully about whether your behavior matches your beliefs. Start small. Speak up if a peer makes a racist comment, however unintended. Let a family member know that it's never OK to stereotype people or make race-based jokes. Model inclusivity, and seek ways to align with others in everyday life. By consistently taking these actions, you can help shape the conversation and shift the tone moving forward.

Here at Bucknell, we are committed to the continuous and permanent work needed to become an anti-racist and equitable community as well as a more just society. Every division of the University has a diversity council; we are expanding our diversity, equity and inclusivity staff; and we are charter members of the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance. These are only the beginnings of our efforts to ensure that Bucknell is an accessible community of belonging for all students, faculty and staff. We, like the rest of our country, have a long way to go.

We invite you to join our ongoing efforts to improve the racial climate on our campus and in the surrounding area. You can start by joining us at a community gathering to reflect on the Chauvin trial and its implications for the future. Details will be forthcoming, and we hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

John Bravman
President

Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak
Provost

Nikki Young
Associate Provost for Equity & Inclusive Excellence

Support is available from the following offices:
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Provost's Office, Equity and Inclusive Excellence