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The University of Texas at Dallas
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June 4, 2020
Fellow Comets,
Over the past week, we have heard from concerned members of our community regarding the death of George Floyd and seen the impassioned activism of UT Dallas students in
Dallas and across the country. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Black people in America have been repeatedly brutalized at the hands of the police and others, reflecting the way that anti-blackness is heavily
ingrained in the fabric of this country. We have a long way to go before every member of society—regardless of the color of their skin—is treated with equality and justice. We stand with the protestors who are
bravely taking to the streets to demand justice, even in the face of violence. Black Lives Matter.
George Floyd, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Laquan McDonald, Freddie Gray, Antwon Rose, Jr., Ahmaud Arbery, Atatiana
Jefferson, Breonna Taylor and countless other black Americans have died as a result of systemic racism, and we are heartbroken and upset that these blatant acts of injustice continue to take place. Far too often, police
murder unarmed black and brown people in cold blood, for no reason. They are hardly ever held accountable. We have known this for years, and still nothing has been done. We are calling on political leaders to reform the
institution of policing.
Student Government believes it is imperative that we spread awareness of the issue at hand. Systemic
racism must end. We are calling for a shift from violent police tactics to empathetic community accountability. Change is long overdue.
Though we are apart in body and not physically able to be on campus, we
believe acts of racism and hatred should not be ignored. We stand against injustice and inequality in all forms. The UT Dallas community should be a safe space for all races, religions and sexual orientations. There is
simply no place for hatred against another human being. Our university should be known as a place of inclusivity for all, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to reach that point.
If you are suffering
as a result of having watched the violence of the past week, there are ways for Comets to receive assistance, including the Multicultural Center,
the Galerstein Gender Center, the Student Counseling Center and our attorney services.
We will continue to work toward creating an inclusive
and safe campus. We will do our part to keep UT Dallas students safe. At the same time, we are calling on members of our university community to do their part to join the fight.
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Donate. There are a number of organizations you can donate to that directly help protestors and families of victims. George Floyd's family has started a GoFundMe page, and another has been created for Ahmaud Arbery's mother.
To directly help protestors and activists, you may donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, a nonprofit
group that helps with the cost of bail for protesters who have been arrested.
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Educate. Non-black people should educate themselves, their family and their friends to challenge anti-black ideology and rhetoric. If you are silent in the face of injustice, you are siding with
the oppressor.
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Demand Accountability and Vote. Write to your legislators and demand they act to end police brutality. Before voting, do your research by looking into a candidate's stance on police brutality, and make
it a litmus test for your support. Here is a comprehensive guide to policies
that address police brutality and systemic racism.
Other Ways to Help or to Make Your Voice Heard
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Black Visions Collective
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Know Your Rights Camp
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Campaign Zero
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Contact Your Local Representatives
We call on other student organizations to join us in condemning police brutality and serve as allies, and we call on all students to join the fight for racial equality and justice.
Student Government
UT Dallas
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