April 20, 2021
Dear Members of Our Campus Community,
Last week, as we awaited the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the killing of George Floyd, I wrote to share with you an update on our campus's anti-racism and social justice efforts. With the launch of our coordinated campus-wide initiatives Thriving Through Reform, Together, we reaffirmed the commitment of our campus community to a comprehensive and sustained effort to fight racism and discrimination and to promote social justice.
Today, that verdict was delivered, and a step toward justice was taken. We know that we still have a long way to go, as a society and as an academic community. The jury's verdict does not erase the pain and horror of George Floyd's murder nearly a year ago, the continued acts of violence and racism we have witnessed, and the systemic racism and anti-Blackness we must work together to confront.
I would like to share with you the statement made today by UC President Michael V. Drake and UC Board of Regents Chair John A. Pérez:
"As the prosecution made abundantly clear, Derek Chauvin grossly and maliciously overstepped his duties as a police officer when he killed George Floyd. The jury confirmed what many of us who watched that horrible video know to be true: Floyd was murdered.
This verdict will not ameliorate the incredible pain and grief the Floyd family are experiencing, or the pain and suffering endured by so many more. It does, at least, reaffirm the principle that no one is above the law, especially not a peace officer trusted with protecting a community’s safety and security.
Although it cannot bring back Floyd, may today’s jury decision give his family and loved ones a measure of peace, and encourage our country to reimagine and work toward a safer and more equitable future for us all."
We echo these comments and are committed to working together toward this safer and more equitable future.
We are also committed to supporting each other, and we have campus resources that may be of help:
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is available at (805) 893-4411 or by submitting a CAPS Services Request. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) is available at (805) 893-3318 or asap@hr.ucsb.edu.
In addition, we are planning events for throughout the week to provide our campus community with the opportunity for reflection and expression.
Sincerely,
Henry T. Yang
Chancellor
Visions for the Future
Thursday, April 22, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Offered by the MultiCultural Center and Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, this event envisions what our future could look like without racism, homophobia and other systems of oppression.
Justice for George Floyd: A Brown Bag Conversation
Friday, April 23, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Offered by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, this event offers a space for conversation, reflection, and the expression of feelings regarding the trial of Derek Chauvin.