The senseless killing of George Floyd has brought into the national media spotlight once again what is an ordinary, everyday reality for many in our community, the reality of racial injustice and the devaluation of black lives. In the midst of this time of great pain, the Department of English stands with everyone who mourns his loss—and the loss of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many more who have gone before him—who feels the anger and outrage sparked by the history and presence of police brutality, and who long for justice. We join leaders of our university in rejecting hate; in reaffirming the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and in reflecting on the ways in which we as a community fall short of practicing these values. Echoing Associate Dean Wendy Smooth, we “resolve to continue creating a community in which we all are included, respected and valued regardless of our differences,” and echoing President Michael Drake, we ask, “What can we do to make things different?”
President Michael Drake’s statement to the Ohio State community