Utica College issues statement on the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed
"Words cannot fully capture our disgust and outrage over the brutal murder of George Floyd. We cannot accept this senseless act or the social injustices behind it..."
Words cannot fully capture our disgust and outrage over the brutal murder of George Floyd. We cannot accept this senseless act or the social injustices behind it. At the same time, we cannot condone the violence and destruction that has followed, as much as we understand the history that has provoked it.
In the city of Utica and communities across the country, tens of thousands of people are honoring the lives of George Floyd and countless other persons of color who have been killed for no reason. We are very proud of and we stand in support of the many members of the UC community who are joining in the effort to call for necessary social justice reform loudly but peacefully. While some are using this moment to incite and stoke the flames of violence, these individuals are far outweighed by those voices peacefully calling for needed change.
The Utica College community remains steadfast in its commitment to the expression of these voices. Not unlike any other predominantly white institution of higher education, we have had our challenges constructing a racially inclusive campus, and we are unwavering in our resolve to ensure that members of the UC community and the community at-large are treated with human dignity and civility and made to feel respected. We hear you. We see you. We are committed to helping with the healing, to amplifying your voices, and to helping bring about the changes needed in our communities and the world.
Laura Casamento
President
Anthony Baird
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Todd Pfannestiel
Provost
Jeff Gates
Senior Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Management
