Dear Department members,
In light of recent events, we as members of the Diversity Inclusion and Equity for the BCBP want to remind everyone to show your support and sympathy during these difficult and unfortunate times. We all want and are trying to communicate that we are not silent; we see social justice as a civil right, and it should be deeply respected and honored. Discrimination of any kind is not acceptable. We want to resonate with many other messages against racism and violence that are flourishing right now. The unjustifiable violent actions of the police towards George Floyd was clearly seen by many. This video went viral not only because of its content, but also due to our current context, in which racial and social inequities associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic has led to the death and unemployment of too many people. The killings of many others such as Nina Pop, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, should be honored as much as George Floyd. Regardless what we see, our action and attitude may matter more than words, now more than ever. As scientists we are deeply committed to a nurturing environment that welcomes all people, regardless of background. It is only through this promise that we can fully achieve our mission. However, we have to acknowledge that even our own department is not impervious to racism and other discrimination. We would like to hear your suggestions on how our department can improve our support and inclusiveness. Any specific suggestion on how we can assure a better environment for our students, post-docs, staff and faculties, please feel free to suggest. Are there any criticisms that we should be aware of and work to improve? What actions should we take to support our African American community and under representative minorities? What each of us can do to change our bias cultural attitudes so very much ingrained in our minds that we can’t even realize it is there? This is the time to make your voice heard. Let us know and we are happy to set up a town hall for our department members to hear your voice and to come up with an action plan that will allow us to help others, heal and make our community a better place.
Sincerely, The Diversity Liaison for BCBP & Departmental Chair
Silvia B. Ramos, MD Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics
Lab: 204 Fordham Hall
Office: 241 Wilson Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
Office (919) 962-5301
Diversity Inclusion and Equity Liaison for BCBP
Departmental Chair Brian D. Strahl, Ph.D.
Oliver Smithies Investigator
Professor & Interim Chair
Faculty Director, Peptide Synthesis and Arraying Facility
Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics
3060 Genetic Medicine, CB# 7260 120 Mason Farm Rd.
UNC School of Medicine Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7260
Office (919) 843-3896 Lab (919) 843-3935
Lab Website
UNC High-Throughput Peptide Synthesis and Array Facility
Chromatin and Epigenetics Program