A Verdict

Dear Members of the College of Fine Arts Community,

Yesterday, a historic verdict was delivered in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty on all counts in the trial for the death of George Floyd. While this verdict brought a sigh of relief to many, it is important to understand that this verdict was not justice; it was an action of accountability. While I hope this verdict brings some peace to the family of George Floyd and to the many inspired to action through his tragic death, we must recognize that Chauvin was one small part of an oppressive system that must be dismantled.

The murder of George Floyd was an abhorrent act of racism and police brutality, but it was not an isolated event. Regrettably, I would be remiss if I did not mention that while many of us were able to feel a glimmer of hope in the moments following the announcement of the trial, another act of racial police violence ensued in Columbus, Ohio, that resulted in the death of Ma'Khia Bryant.

It is clear that we cannot use the verdict as a place to rest in our pursuit of equality and justice. I want to reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all members — regardless of background or identity — feel welcomed and represented.

Racism, anti-Blackness, anti-Asian hate, and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in the College of Fine Arts.

As we process the events that have taken place over the last 24 hours, I encourage you to give yourselves grace and to give one another grace. If you are able to, please consider checking in with your peers, students, faculty, staff and colleagues to commune and support one another. In these times of racial unrest and Covid-19, we must remember to have empathy and understanding for one another. Please remember and acknowledge that these events will be more deeply and personally felt by some members of our community than others. Each of us will be experiencing and processing these events in our own ways, influenced by our own, personal backgrounds.

The College of Fine Arts and Carnegie Mellon are here to support you. For resources to deal with recent events, there is a connection group, intended for BIPOC students, called When My Heart Isn’t In the Work. This group meets weekly, is open to all, and is a way to connect with others who may have shared experiences. Similarly, there is an immigrant connection hour, open to all in the CMU community. Additionally, the Counseling and Psychological Services's (CaPS) Equity, Inclusion, and Mental Health page highlights self-care resources specific to the BIPOC community. CaPS COPE services are also open to all faculty and staff who may need help facilitating difficult conversations or navigating topics that may feel emotionally distressing. Please feel encouraged to utilize these resources.

With deep empathy and compassion,

Valeria Martinez
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, CFA