Message from Dean Moore: “We Stand in Solidarity”

Dear Sargent Community,

In these most troubled days, we awaken under the weight of a virus that restricts almost every aspect of our daily lives, and, as Americans have on every morning for the last 400 years, to a culture founded upon, and imbued with, systemic racism. Against the backdrop of COVID-19 and jarring images of death, we are bestowed with a sharpened clarity of our convictions and a renewed devotion to basic human principles.

We stand in solidarity against the longstanding and insidious infection of institutional racism. Violence against our Brown and Black community members – most excruciatingly evident in the recent death of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin and others – is as crushing as it is familiar. We add Emmett Till, Rodney King, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, and scores of others to this roster that demands our attention and response. Each of you will have your own reaction to recent events, but especially if you are Brown or Black in America, these names may have the power to elicit vivid lived-experiences of grating unfairness, and constant fear for your safety and for the lives of those you love. The stain of racism in America has betrayed our basic principles. I stand with you all – students, staff, and faculty – against this betrayal, arm-in-arm with our Brown and Black students and colleagues, and with all who cry “Enough!”

Sargent and BU continue to provide support and resources for members of our community to explore ways to learn, engage and contribute. I have asked our Director of Faculty Diversity & Inclusion, Dr. Laura Driscoll, to coordinate a Sargent-wide opportunity to reflect and discuss these recent events.

Also, Boston organizations and Boston University are responding with a number of opportunities for conversation, reflection, and response. A few of these BU-hosted and non-BU events, which were recently announced by BU Diversity and Inclusion, are repeated in the list below.

I sincerely look forward to seeing you all back at 635 Comm Ave. Until then, let’s take care of ourselves and each other.

 Sincerely,

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

Violence in Boston and Black Lives Matter, Boston

Title: Not One More! *(Please note, this event is in-person. Please use your discretion and adhere to the city and state guidelines to maintain health during COVID-19)
Time: Tuesday, June 2, 5–8 p.m.
Description: Are you tired? I know you are. As Black People we are exhausted, deflated and just plain tired. Join Violence in Boston, Inc. and Black Lives Matter Boston as we gather while remaining socially distant to rally our Just Anger and mourn these homicides. Hosted by Violence in Boston, Inc. and Black Lives Matter, Boston

*We will remain socially distant six feet apart.
*Please bring a mask, hand sanitizer and gloves.
*Water will be provided.
*Feel free to bring stick-less signs, candles, and each other.

For questions or concerns contact: violenceinboston@gmail.com or 617-652-0151

Meeting Information: Franklin Park, Shattuck Side.
https://www.facebook.com/events/269763837625374/

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

Faculty and Staff Assistance Office

Title: Coping with Current Events: Support and Solidarity
Time: Wednesday, June 3, 12:30–1:30 p.m .
Description: **FOR FACULTY & STAFF ONLY** Workshop via Zoom led by Sarah Henderson. Please join us for this interactive group to share thoughts, feelings, and reactions to current events. Get to know your colleagues and learn more about how they are coping. We will offer support and compassion while holding space for each other’s unique and shared experiences.

Meeting Information: Register. A Zoom link will be sent the morning of the event.

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UMOJA, BU’s Black Student Union

Title: What’s Next: A Town Hall with Boston University’s Black Community
Time: Wednesday, June 3, 5–7 p.m.
Description: This conversation will be centered around how the University plans to respond to the Black BU statement and the questions administrators, professors, students, and alum have.” Umoja has created an anonymous Google form for questions and topic suggestions to ensure a productive discussion focused on healing and solutions. This town hall will be facilitated by UMOJA.

Meeting Information: Zoom Meeting ID: 810 3229 2502; Password: 1qT5ru
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BU School of Public Health

Title: A Conversation on Race and Policing 
Time: Wednesday, June 3, 5–6 p.m.
Description: We will be hosting a virtual space for the community to come together to discuss current events surrounding race and police brutality. We will be joined by students to start conversations with faculty and staff, followed by space for community input. (Captioning will be available for this event)

Meeting Information: Meeting will take place via Zoom. RSVP

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

Enrollment & Student Administration (ENSA)

Title: All-Staff Meeting
Time: Thursday, June 4, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Description: * FOR ENSA STAFF ONLY*
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BU Diversity & Inclusion

Title: COVID-19, Mental Health, and Race
Time: Thursday, June 4, 11–12:30 p.m.
Panelists: David Henderson, MD; Carrie Landa, PhD; Kristin Long, PhD; Lisa L. Moore, PhD, LICSW
Description: BU Diversity & Inclusion is hosting a series of virtual conversations to address broader societal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of leading experts across multiple fields, our goal is to catalyze important new dialogue about inequities, challenges, and opportunities exposed by the virus. Please join us for this online discussion. (Captioning will be available for this event)

Meeting Information: Meeting will take place via Zoom. RSVP
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Greater Springfield NAACP and Pioneer Valley Project

Title: Springfield Digital Town Hall on Police and Accountability
Time: Thursday, June 4, 7–9:30 p.m.
Description: Attend this digital town hall to discuss the impact of police misconduct on community trust and what it will take for the entire Springfield community to trust the police. This event is being organized by the Greater Springfield NAACP and Pioneer Valley Project.

Meeting Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/3030590460522065/

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

BU Diversity & Inclusion

Title: Collective Space for Community Solidarity
Time: Friday, June 5, 1–3 p.m.
Description: We welcome members of the BU community to join us in reflecting on recent events by sharing excerpts, materials, and other resources that have helped them stay centered, focused, connected, and to remain hopeful for a different, better future. Share items, practices, and/or excerpts that you find personally meaningful and how they impact, buoy, or ground you with other BU community members.

To request accommodation (e.g. ASL Interpreter, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), assistive listening devices), please contact our office at odi@bu.edu. Please submit requests for accommodations as soon as possible.

Meeting Information: Meeting will take place via Zoom. RSVP