Message Regarding Disturbing Video
Our nation is hurting with the death of George Floyd and what it signifies for many
people. Mocking a senseless tragedy is not something to take lightly and this incident
is under investigation.
Any U of A student found responsible for violating the Code of Student Life will
face sanctions through the Code of Student Life process. Federal student privacy laws limit the release of student disciplinary action. The
disturbing activities and captions in the video do not reflect our values and are
contrary to our principles and priorities. We stand together to condemn this video
and the message it sends.
Office for Diversity and Inclusion
Vice Chancellor Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Arkansas grieves and mourns
for the loss of life, including George Floyd, that has occurred recently and in the
past because of racial violence, inequitable systems and the presence of disparities
rooted in long-standing historical trajectories, inequitable practices and systemic
structures.
We stand in solidarity with efforts to achieve a world where racism is ended through
inclusive practices, and we continue to be committed to action that will move our
campus forward in this regard. Safety, belonging, justice, equity and peace should
apply to all members of our community and society regardless of the intersections
of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality or other identities. These ideals embody
the Diversity and Inclusion priority for the University of Arkansas, and we stand
in solidarity with efforts to achieve a world that is anti-racist and inclusive.
We are committed to action that will move our campus forward in this regard. Efforts
that strengthen diversity and inclusion must be embedded in all that we say and all
that we do in our teaching, research and service efforts -- just as it is embedded
in the mission of the University of Arkansas. Our work to support a more diverse,
inclusive, equitable and anti-racist campus environment (and world) matters, and the
Office for Diversity and Inclusion will work tirelessly to support our campus community
in taking positive action that fosters safety, belonging, justice, equity and peace.
UA Black Alumni Society
President Ritche Manley Bowden
Over the past few years, we have bore witness to the unjust killings of George Floyd,
Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Ahmaud Arbery and hundreds of others who
did not gain national media attention. The notion that Black lives don’t matter is
a result of the systemic racism and oppression of Black people and it continues today.
As president of the Black Alumni Society, I see the role of organizations, like ours,
advocating for and expecting accountability, change and justice in these systems—this
includes even our most beloved institutions. We look forward to working with others
on this change. No person should have to fear being in their home, going for a run,
spending time in a park, or interacting with law enforcement. Our lives matter.
Connect, Engage and Inspire.
For the Students,
— Ritche
Graduate-Professional Student Congress
GPSC Cabinet Statement
PDF Download - Official Statement
Over the last few months, we have seen some of the best that this country can offer
as people across the U.S. have come together to help one another as we fight this
pandemic. During this time, we have also seen the ugliness of this country and how
it continues to disproportionately affect people of color - namely, Black/African-American
folks.
We have all watched as the lives of so many black individuals have been taken away
in just the last few weeks. The Graduate and Professional Student Congress is heartbroken
and angry. It is not enough to "not be racist" - we must take a stand and work to
be "Anti-Racist." The GPSC stands in solidarity with, but behind, our Black students,
instructors, adjuncts, professors, administrators, staff, coaches, alumni, and friends.
We unequivocally condemn racism - such as what has been recently displayed in the
murders of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Sean Reed, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and
countless others - and recommit to doing the work necessary to unravel generations
of domination and oppression.
While these murders have not been in our state or on our campus, they are still felt
throughout our community and remind us of our own history. From Silas Hunt to the
Little Rock Nine, Arkansas is no stranger, in particular, to the legacy of racism
in schools and higher education. We must do better.
As fear and unrest burn through our country, we must stand together as Razorbacks
and do the work to take care of each other. We must speak out against violence and
injustice and listen carefully to how we can each continue to learn and grow. We know
better than to turn our faces away from ignorance and understand that "advancing with
truth as our guide" is not something we can do alone. Anything less is a weakness
that Razorbacks cannot allow. May we each do all we can to make our campus a place
of justice and equity so that all feel The Hill is their home. Black Lives Matter.
Our Black Razorback Lives Matter.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of George Floyd, Tony
McDade, Sean Reed, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.
In Solidarity,
JD DiLoreto- Hill, President
Katherine Dzurilla, Vice President
Paul Bonney, Treasurer
Anthony (A.G.) Holdier, Secretary
Rachel Slank, President Pro Tempore