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Remembering George Floyd

A message to all students from the vice provosts of undergraduate and graduate education and student affairs, and the associate vice provost for inclusion, community and integrative learning within student affairs.

Dear students,

A powerful moment is upon us today, with the first anniversary of the death of George Floyd at the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin, convicted in April of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. We have heard from many of you about how difficult this year has been, for so many reasons. We have seen you join the call for justice. Today, we hope you continue to reflect on his impact on our university, nation and world.

As his family gathers in Minneapolis to remember him, you may be doing the same near your homes. Mr. Floyd was above all else a son and father, brother and cousin, friend and neighbor. Like too many others, he has also become a symbol of desperately needed disruption of the status quo. We would like to recognize those creating change after so much unconscionable loss, well demonstrated by the student-created memorial on the Oval last June and the Say Their Names, No More Names exhibition hosted by Stanford Libraries.

We would like to thank our community centers, student leaders and student organizations for continuing a legacy of activism focused on the most vulnerable. We know there is much in this moment for each of us. Our hope is we all understand Black Lives Matter is a part of a movement toward justice for Black people, which, in turn, means justice for all of us. May this day bring you time and space to reflect, listen and learn.

In solidarity,

Stacey F. Bent
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs

Susie Brubaker-Cole
Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Sarah Church
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Emelyn de la Peña
Associate Vice Provost for Inclusion, Community and Integrative Learning