April 20, 2021
Dear Reed Students, Staff, and Faculty,
We now have a verdict.
Whatever the verdict of this particular jury on this particular day, there can be no doubt that George Floyd died not only at the hands of Derek Chauvin, but also with the structural support of the Minneapolis Police Department and the system of policing and incarceration that for so long has diminished and destroyed the lives of so many Black citizens, families, and communities. There is no clearer example of institutionalized racism than the shielding of police from accountability and prosecution written into the laws of most municipalities and every state in the union. Minnesota is an outlier in bringing even this level of accountability for these actions.
No verdict will ever repair the harm done to George Floyd, his family, other loved ones, his community, and this nation. We honor George Floyd and those who loved him only through our deeds; to recommitting ourselves to actively practicing anti-racism in educating ourselves, committing to individual actions, and to examining and reforming our policies, practices, narratives, and personal interactions in whatever our roles in the Reed community. I ask that we each take a moment today to write down and recommit to whatever it is we promised to ourselves in the wake of George Floyd’s death but have just been too busy to attend to. It’s never going to happen unless we make it happen.
Many of you will be moved to participate in public demonstrations here in Portland and in your home communities. We trust that you will take care of yourselves and one another as you have all year on this campus in taking the safety precautions demanded by the ongoing pandemic.
Protest is a vital part of propelling change, but it alone cannot complete the work of reforming institutions. For those of you in Portland and/or Oregon, there are a number of community groups working to reform policies, procedures, and laws involving policing and other aspects of the criminal justice system. We invite you to learn more about these opportunities:
- The City of Portland’s Independent Police Review & Citizen Review Committee
- UniteOregon: Become a member or volunteer
- Learn more information about Rethink Portland & Measure 26-217
Finally, I want to remind community members that the Office for Institutional Diversity is hosting several opportunities to come together to support one another as we continue to absorb and reflect on the events of the past year. All are welcome.
- Wednesday, April 21 @ 4:00 p.m. (students)
- Wednesday, April 28 @ 4:00 p.m. (faculty and staff)
- Tuesday, May 4 @ 4:30 p.m. (students)
- Tuesday, May 11 @ 4:00 p.m. (faculty and staff)
- Thursday, May 27 @ 4:00 p.m. (faculty and staff)
Zoom Link: https://reed-edu.zoom.us/j/98365287724
I wish you a peaceful evening. Take good care of yourselves and others as you are able.
Sincerely,
Mary James
Dean for Institutional Diversity