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Posted: 6/02/20

A&M System Chancellor, Council on Diversity, TAMIU Offer Statements on George Floyd’s Death

 

TAMUS Chancellor
TAMUS Chancellor John Sharp  

We are mourning with George Floyd’s family, not only because he was one of our own, as a former student of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, but also because his death is truly a national tragedy.

It is important we all re-double our efforts to treat everyone, regardless of color, with respect and inclusion in every facet of American life, including our university system. 

We at The Texas A&M University System are committed to this premise:  We are all God’s children and deserving of the same respect and protections that should be afforded every American.  --  Chancellor John Sharp

 

Dr. Pablo Arenaz, President
Dr. Pablo Arenaz, President

 

TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz concurred in his message to the University community:

Like all, we  are saddened by the tragic passing of George Floyd in Minnesota last week. His passing has laid bare fundamental and lasting flaws in our very understanding of what it means to be an American and, more so…what it means to be human.

As providers of higher education, we have  a duty and a responsibility to do all we can to create and sustain a welcoming and diverse community.

As that community of students, faculty, staff and alumni,  we must continue to reaffirm our shared commitment to a campus that  promotes, respects and --  most importantly, values diversity everywhere.  

In these troubling times,  let our TAMIU community affirm that:

*We stand together against discrimination, injustice, racism and violence.

*Everyone must feel both respected and safe.

*Diversity is critical for all organizations.

*Ensuring diversity requires a commitment to ongoing change.

I encourage our TAMIU community to continue to come together to advocate for all. Let us be united as we work to ensure that this campus values all… and is worthy of all.  -- Dr. Pablo Arenaz, President

 

Statement from The Texas A&M University System's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 

The Texas A&M System condemns all racist behaviors, actions, and comments that tear at the moral fabric of our nation. The System is appalled at the deplorable and egregious acts of brutality by some police officers against African Americans. As the nation grieves, the A&M System is also experiencing sorrow and has devoted its platform to stand up against unjust racial disparities. 

Based on diversity as a core value of our system, we denounce all forms of violence perpetrated against African Americans. The death of George Floyd, and many others, at the hand of police officers is a despicable and unacceptable outcome. Suffice it to say: IT MUST STOP. All forms of racism, from bias and micro-aggressions to racialized violence, create an undue weight on our faculty, staff, students of color, and administration. As such, there is a direct need to continue to educate and act on our values of inclusion and equity. 

The Texas A&M System shall take all necessary steps to ensure that its employees and students are committed to the tenets of human respect and decency. To make a positive impact, we will make a unified commitment to translate our ideals into action for sustainable and proactive change. Equally as important, The Texas A&M System shall remain committed to providing an inclusive environment where all its members can thrive safely. 

The A&M System believes all universities under the auspices of the Texas A&M banner shall speak out against systemic and institutional racism at all levels. Likewise, we urgently call on all Texans and the nation to resist hateful and racist actions and refuse to drink from the bitter cup of divisiveness.

 

Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, Chair, Texas A&M University-Commerce 

Angela Allen, West Texas A&M University 

Dr. Carol Bunch Davis, Texas A&M University-Galveston 

Larry Davis, Texas A&M University-Central Texas 

Dr. Toney Favors, Texas A&M University-Texarkana 

Dr. Manuel Flores, Texas A&M University-Kingsville 

Elma De Luna-González, Prairie View A&M University 

Tim Gritten, Texas A&M University-San Antonio 

Dr. Peter Haruna, Texas A&M International University 

Tiburcio Lince, Tarleton State University 

Dr. Sherdeana Owens, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 

Dr. Christine Stanley, Texas A&M University 

Dr. Julia Ballenger, Texas A&M University-Commerce 

Dr. Joyce Miller, Texas A&M University-Commerce 

Dr. Minita Ramírez, Texas A&M International University 

Carl Greig, Texas A&M University-Texarkana 

Dr. Corinne Valadez, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Texas A&M University-Commerce 

Dr. Brenda Moore, Texas A&M University-Commerce