One step on a journey toward justice: CU leaders react to Chauvin verdict
Tuesday’s announcement of the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty of the murder last year of George Floyd, inspired messages of reflection from leadership across the University of Colorado.
CU’s president and chancellors acknowledged a time for healing, while calling upon the university community to join them in continuing to work toward addressing societal inequities and furthering justice and equality.
Here are some of the words they shared with the CU community:
CU President Mark Kennedy:
“While this is an important step in the right direction, it is still just a step on a journey we must travel together toward equal justice under the law for all, no matter the color of their skin or their circumstances.” Read the full statement here.
CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano:
“As a campus community, we hope this verdict brings some measure of justice to Mr. Floyd’s family, knowing that this decision alone will not redress the inequities that Black, Asian American and other communities of color have experienced for generations.” Read the full statement here.
CU Colorado Springs Chancellor Venkat Reddy:
“By showing compassion, empathy and respect to all those around you, you help us to respond to the deepest challenges of our time in ways that lift up our entire community.” Read the full statement here.
CU Denver Chancellor Michelle Marks:
“While I am thankful that justice was served in this case, there are no winners here. … One guilty verdict does not erase the centuries of systemic racism that still exist today. As a society and at CU Denver, we have so much more work to do in the name of equity, diversity and inclusion.” Read the full statement here.
CU Anschutz Medical Campus Chancellor Don Elliman:
“Our job as an academic medical campus devoted to service, health and healing is to determine our role in helping to right historic wrongs and address current inequities. While we might not know exactly what that role looks like, or what the next step – or the next 50 – might be, we know without a doubt that there is much to do, and we are stronger and better together.” Read the full statement here.