In Community

Dear Members of the College of Fine Arts Community,

It pains me to write another statement acknowledging racial hatred in this country, but it is a statement that must be made. Dehumanization, oppression, and today’s institutional and individual prejudices cultivate a multitude of injustices. Racism is among the most fervent of these institutional harms. However, we must and will continue to be vigilant in our cause for justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Awaiting the verdict for one murder of a Black man, we learn of another murder of a Black man. As Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, said, “The world is traumatized, watching another African American man being slain.” While there is little to be said to provide comfort to those most directly impacted by these abhorrent acts of racial violence, my hope is that this community understands the College of Fine Arts will not be silent and perpetuate a racist system.

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, critical race scholar and best-selling author, asserts there is no space for someone to simply claim they are not racist – you are either racist or anti-racist. To be anti-racist requires the acknowledgment that racism exists, to call out what is racist, and to demand justice. Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Daunte Wright deserve justice – as do many others whose lives were cut short by police abuse and racial violence.

Black Lives Matter.

We stand with our faculty, staff and students of the pan-African diaspora. We will not accept racism in our community; we are committed to dismantling anti-Blackness throughout the college. Racism has no place here. Neither does any other form of oppression. Please know you are deeply cared for, supported, and valued.

For anyone experiencing racial battle fatigue, please feel encouraged to reach out to:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) for free, confidential services. Information and resources are located at http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Immediate support is always available (24/7): 412-268-2922.

You may also seek support through the:

Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
csdi@andrew.cmu.edu
(412) 268-2150.

Should you experience a bias-related incident on campus or in the college, Report-It through the online anonymous reporting platform:

Report-It
username: tartans
password: plaid

All reports will be documented and deliberated to determine if there should be any following actions. Regardless of incident type, the university will use all shared experiences to transform our campus climate to be more equitable and just.

Sending each of you healing energy.

In community,

Valeria J. Martinez