Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Austin O. Agho
Dear Monarch Community:
Yesterday afternoon, a jury in Minneapolis convicted former Officer Derek Chauvin on all charges in the killing of George Floyd.
As a nurturing home and a launching pad for success for all students, we must continue to pursue racial justice to uncover and eliminate obstacles to true equality.
For the past year, the tragedy of George Floyd's death has prompted demonstrations of support for equity as well as searching analysis of our country's racial problems.
Last summer, a March for Justice on campus attracted more than 400 participants, including students, faculty, staff and community members. Throughout this school year, the Office of Faculty Diversity and Retention has engaged the campus in a vigorous and challenging series of virtual discussions on race, social justice and policing.
In the wake of the verdict, our campus will provide more opportunities for thoughtful dialogue. Early next week, Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã will schedule a series of reflection forums for students and employees. On Tuesday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m., the University's Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity will sponsor a discussion titled "Assessing the Verdict of Minnesota v. Chauvin: A Collective Discussion of the Broader Implications." It will feature ODU faculty members as well as justice and law enforcement officials, and it will be open to the community. Here is the Zoom link to join this discussion:
Please know that the Office of Counseling Services stands ready to assist students at 757-683-4401. The Employee Assistance Program remains a resource for faculty and staff.
Sincerely,
John R. Broderick
President
Austin O. Agho
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs