OPA Statement on BLM

Dear Postdoctoral Community:

We want to acknowledge the pain and horror of the events that have led to the protests around the country and the world. For some of us this may be closer to home than for others, but we can all contribute to what the outcome of this will look like. To our African American postdoctoral scholars, faculty and staff: we stand and grieve with you.

Institutionalized, systemic racism is a reality that we cannot ignore any longer. This leads to inequality and injustice. The communities of color and other minorities have been affected the most by the COVID 19 pandemic because of these inequities. They have also been hit the hardest by the subsequent economic crisis.

We must all commit to contributing in every way we can to progressively achieve more equity and tolerance. All of us have a sphere of influence in which we can promote difficult conversations around race and have an honest dialogue. We have included some resources at the bottom that we hope facilitate these conversations.

Our office has been and will continue to be fully committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We also commit to fulfill the call President Drake sent this weekend: “We must seriously and concretely redouble our efforts to end abuse, discrimination, bigotry, and hatred.”

Be safe,

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Readings and Resources:

Books (reading list recommended by the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Facilitators Group):

Originally released June 2, 2020.