Dear BBSP Community,
Our nation is frustrated and in pain because we have yet to find a way to stop the hatred and racism that continues to cut lives short. Like you, we share anger and frustration that these crimes continue today and often go unpunished. Importantly, we realize that some members of our community experience even greater trauma from such heinous acts, particularly the most recent violence against Black lives committed by both government actions and inaction.
To all of you, and especially those members of our community who are particularly afraid and angry, please know that we support you. While we may not be able to lessen today’s pain, understand that we see you, we hear you, and we care; we want to help and support you in any way that we can.
In this time of growing violence and division, it is more important than ever that each of us does our part to support positive change. Connect with students/peers/colleagues to ask about their wellbeing and offer support. Become an ally/advocate and let your position be an example for how to value diversity and treat ALL with dignity and respect. Educate yourself about microaggressions and commit to reducing the trauma that you cause with insensitive comments and “jokes.” When you are a bystander and witness mistreatment, find ways to defuse the situation and/or distract the aggressor, and then support the target. Silence seems like agreement at worst and indifference at best.
In partnership with other campus programs, the OGE will continue to work towards a UNC research community that is inclusive for all trainees and to identify and address systemic barriers. In the near future, expect learning opportunities and information about additional ways to contribute. Let us ALL commit efforts that last beyond the coming days, weeks, and months. We must not allow our commitment to weaken in the face of discomfort and challenges … because we can make things better if we work together.
The Office of Graduate Education
(This email was sent on June 1, 2020 to all our graduate students and was a group writing effort lead by Dr. Ashalla Freeman, Office of Graduate Education Director of Diversity Affairs.)