EDUCAUSE Statement on Racial Justice and Recent Events
June 2, 2020
EDUCAUSE stands in support of those who are demanding racial justice and respect for human dignity.
The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis is the latest in a long litany of violent deaths that have taken the lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and many others. The powerful reaction to this most recent act of cruelty has echoed around the world and reinforced the need for directly confronting discrimination and racism wherever we encounter it. Racial violence—especially at the hands of those charged with protecting people—is abhorrent and absolutely antithetical to the values and spirit of our community.
Humbled and driven by the need for action, we have worked over the last several years to raise awareness of inequities and disparities in higher education IT. The work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee and the 500+ signatories to the EDUCAUSE CIO Commitment underscore the challenge before us and the amount of work yet to be done.
Long-standing barriers to equity and inclusion must fall, and the events of the day are harsh reminders of the urgency of this work. For many in our community, the current turmoil is deeply personal, and we grieve with those who have faced systemic racism and those who have lost loved ones.
During this painful time, we stand with those demanding lasting change, inclusion, respect, and justice.