NatSci statement on the Minneapolis trial verdict

Apr 21, 2021

To the College of Natural Science (NatSci) community:

This year we have witnessed increased gun violence and police brutality compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to see violence with the recent police killings of Adam Toledo on March 29 and Daunte Wright on April 11.

One of the most momentous killings of Black Americans was the murder of George Floyd, which resurged the Black Lives Matter movement and called for crucial change and racial justice. Yesterday, on April 20, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter for the death of George Floyd. While Chauvin’s conviction cannot undo the harm created, the outcome of this trial must spur essential systemic and societal change.

As a community, we may process this verdict in many ways, but it is important that we understand that members of our community were deeply affected by George Floyd’s murder and continue to be impacted by racial violence, including the killing of Ma'Khia Bryant yesterday by Columbus Police.

I am shocked and heartbroken by the ongoing reports of unarmed people being shot, killed, or abused by police and others in the broader community; and it is particularly egregious that People of Color are systemically targeted. I can’t fully experience the pain and exhaustion felt by members of our community who are the targets of this systemic bigotry, but I do know that the hate and violence it perpetuates is a blight on our country that reduces our spirit, energy, productivity and creativity. I am inspired by the strength and resilience of our community and am committed to doing everything I can to work toward a more fair, equitable, welcoming, and diverse College of Natural Science.

In NatSci, we provide collegewide cultural competency training, conducted a collegewide climate survey in 2019, recently hired Dr. Amber Benton as Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and are completing a strategic-planning process which embeds DEI throughout all initiatives. As a reminder, we have the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council (DEIAC) and various departmental DEI committees, which can be a resource as we work together to promote anti-racism and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the college.

Most importantly, your wellness is a primary concern for our college community and there are several resources available to you as a student or employee. Please see the information listed below for supportive services and resources during this time.

Resources for Students

Students can visit MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). You can also call its crisis hotline, which is available 24/7. To reach a crisis counselor, call 517-355-8270 and press “1.”

In addition, CAPS is hosting listening space events for students to process their feelings, thoughts and reactions related to the death of George Floyd and the Derek Chauvin trial: