Message Regarding George Floyd and Recent Events

Statement from COE Acting Dean Art Rouse — June 9, 2020

I write to you today with a heavy heart, a lot of sadness, disappointment, and frustration regarding the death of Mr. George Floyd.  Words cannot express my distraught feeling of the injustice of a few, resulting in the pain inflicted on so many.  My personal frustration, as many of you, is situated on the continual happening of tragedies such as this — same scenario, different name, different face of the victim, and same skin color. To say this cannot continue to take place is simply not good enough.  I encourage all of us to use our platforms as leaders in this community, and across the nation, to enact change — real change.  Change that eliminates racism and bigotry, and creates a place where all people are treated fairly and have the same freedoms, protections, and opportunities.  I know this change will occur.  It will take place because of you and I.  Our actions, our commitment, and our desire to eradicate the injustices that have been imposed on so many people for too long.   

I want each of you to know that I continue to commit to this college my unwavering support, focus, and passion to create a climate and culture that is respectful, tolerant, and without bias or discrimination.  A place where all faculty and students are safe and respected.  A place where our community knows our moral compass is derived from a place of inclusion, acceptance, and free of social injustices.  I owe this generation, and generations to come, a better tomorrow.

In closing, I remind myself each day as I interact with students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members — I may be someone’s best hope.  A hope for a better tomorrow, a better future.  A future without prejudice and fear.

-Acting COE Dean Art Rouse