June 5, 2020

The recent killings of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery are the latest in an unconscionably long line of racially based tragedies in our country. The understandable and justified protests that have followed these murders underscore the systemic, institutional racism that must be addressed and eliminated if we are to ever live in a just society.

The College of Arts and Sciences – its leadership, faculty, students and staff – stands in solidarity with and support of Black people and all victims of hatred and injustice. The events of the last couple of weeks remind us that despite the progress we have achieved, there remains much for us to do.

As scholars and teachers, we in the liberal arts and sciences are uniquely positioned to examine the causes and effects of these injustices, and to offer solutions. Yet we must not remain dispassionately at arm’s length from these issues. In the best Drexel tradition, we are called to engage with them directly, to amplify the voices of the marginalized, to call out the wrongs, and to do everything in our power to set things right. I am proud that CoAS faculty and students have already responded in meaningful ways.

On behalf of the College of Arts and Sciences, I pledge unwavering support of these efforts. Effective immediately, I am launching a Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Plan for CoAS. Two surveys were sent out yesterday to faculty and staff assess our current capacity, but this is just a starting point. I look forward to hearing from all of you so that we might advance our dialogue towards actionable plans.

Norma Bouchard
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Drexel University