The following is an open letter written by East Central University President Katricia Pierson and emailed to all ECU students and employees on Wednesday, June 3, 2020:
Dear Campus Community,
The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, magnified the inequalities and injustice that continue across our nation. It was not an isolated or singular event. Sadly, his death is further evidence that racism still exists and must be eradicated.
The East Central University community is heartbroken by these recent events and is here to support our Black students, as well as their families and friends, who may be feeling the anguish of these inequalities and of this particularly vile form of hatred. We are here to comfort and heal.
Universities are places of knowledge, ideas and tolerance. ECU is committed to educating and empowering students to understand how our world works and to transform it into something better. As I noted in an email to campus in April, we will call together our Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, the Black Alumni Association, and the Black Student Association to explore ways to advance equity and fairness in our community – and beyond.
I have personally seen, many times, the good that our campus family is doing to unite our community and make it stronger. I have seen the drive in our students to make the world a better place. Together, we can continue to create a world that is just and equitable for all.
Sincerely,
Katricia G. Pierson
President, East Central University