Commitment to Anti-Racism: A Message from the Director
I am saddened and outraged by the senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other Black individuals who have suffered racial injustice and police brutality in this country. What makes their deaths especially heartbreaking and infuriating is that they resulted from the racism embedded in the very systems designed to protect and serve us.
At the same time, our world is on the verge of remarkable change. People in every U.S. state and around the world have come out in overwhelming support of Black Lives Matter. It is very encouraging to see this happening, though it is just the beginning. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
While I cannot ever fully know or relate to the lived experiences of my friends and colleagues of color, I strive to listen and better understand what they go through on a regular basis. You do not have to be an expert on issues of race to be involved in this conversation and to effect change. Right now, each and every one of us needs to be asking ourselves: how can I use my time, talents and energy to be deliberately and unequivocally anti-racist?
This is not easy work, but it is necessary work. Now is the time to commit to anti-racism and do our part in building a society that is fair, equitable and inclusive.
I stand with Black Lives Matter. It is not a question of politics or ideology but rather humanity. We must all do our part to end racial injustice once and for all.
Sincerely,
Dena
Dr. Dena Haritos Tsamitis
Barbara Lazarus Professor in Information Networking
Director, Information Networking Institute (INI)
Founding Director, Education, Training and Outreach, CyLab
College of Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
What You Can Do Now
Engage with CMU Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
The Center actively cultivates a strong, diverse and inclusive community capable of living out these values and advancing research, creativity, learning and development that changes the world.
Read the latest newsletter edition for important resources and information. Review it
Participate in #CMU Racial Justice Challenge
Join the Center in completing Kertesha Riley's Racial Justice Challenge for the month of June.
Follow on Instagram at @LifeAtCMU and tag #CMURacialJusticeChallenge to join the challenge.
Find Your Next Book On CMU Libraries' Anti-Racist Reading List
CMU Libraries has curated a list of digital materials that are all available to access immediately.
Explore the Reading LisT
University Resources
Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS)
Get Help Now: 412-268-2922
Advice from CapS for prioritizing your well-being:
- Log off. If overwhelmed, and are able to, give yourself permission to take a break. Reset.
- Connect to your feelings of frustration, anger, disappointment, sadness. They are real. They are valid.
- Take deep, unapologetic care of yourself, today and all days.
- Set boundaries when you can no longer discuss what's happening.
- Surround yourself with people you trust, who understand how you feel.
- Continue to cultivate a plan that keeps your autonomy and well-being at the center.
Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
Statements from University Leadership
Confronting Racism in Our Society
"I know that it is up to each one of us – no matter our background – to confront and dismantle racism and injustice wherever they exist."
Farnam Jahanian
President
Henry L. Hillman Chair
Actions Against Racism
"We recognize that real sustainable change comes not through words or one-off solutions but through deep introspection, intentional planning, transparency, genuine engagement with our community members and accountability."
Jim Garrett, Provost
Gina Casalegno, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students