After the killing of George Floyd this week, following other recent high-profile killings of innocent African-Americans by law enforcement or private citizens shielded by law enforcement, we want to share with you today’s words of the Interim President of the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, James Muyskens. We are all in pain over the ongoing inequality, discrimination and death black Americans are facing.
“This country could be on fire almost every night in almost every city. It’s not, because most black people in this country choose to exercise tremendous restraint. Most black people are still willing to talk this out. Most black people have the courage and fortitude to withstand the violence done against us without lowering ourselves to the level of an American police officer.
America should be more thankful for that. And it should remember that it’s a choice.”
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I, like you, have a heavy heart from witnessing the continued unfolding of brutality toward the Black community in our country.
The violent and unnecessary death of George Floyd was but one in a long string of unjustifiable attacks on Black people in this country. What happened in Minneapolis was all too similar to the killing of Eric Garner in our own city. And just this past weekend in Central Park, Amy Cooper, a white woman, exhibited her sense of entitlement and her racism when she called the police after a Black man, Christian Cooper, merely asked her to put her dog on a leash.
These incidents remind us of the long road we have to travel in creating a just society, one in which all residents, regardless of the color of their skin or their nationality, are safe and included. They also remind us of the urgency of our work as educators; creators of knowledge; and members of this unparalleled, diverse, public university. We have a responsibility to promote justice in our classes, in our scholarship, in the administration of our institution, and in our daily lives.
CUNY and The Graduate Center have a firm policy on equal opportunity and non-discrimination, which states, “Diversity, inclusion, and an environment free from discrimination are central to the mission of the University.” We remain committed to that policy and to carrying it out in all of our actions.
I am acutely aware of the trauma and vulnerability that many within our own community are experiencing. I encourage you to reach out to your colleagues. The Graduate Center has long been a place for thoughtful, open debate. And even though we are physically separated from one another due to our current public health crisis, we must continue to express ourselves and to support one another.
I am proud of The Graduate Center’s long history of fighting for social justice. Many of our most distinguished scholars have dedicated their careers to redressing injustice and inequity through their public-facing scholarship, organizing, and action.
In the past few days, members of our community have been reaching out in thoughtful ways on social media and through op-eds and interviews with the traditional media. Our classes have ended, but discussions with classmates and colleagues can still be fruitful.
For our students who are suffering, our student counseling services team is ready to help.
While I hope my words offer some solace, I know that more must be done. I will be reaching out in the coming days with further communication about steps we will take to promote healing and address the issues of injustice that affect all of us.
This is a time to apply our values, our expertise, our public mission to eradicating racism and promoting a safe and just community and society.
Sincerely,
James Muyskens
Interim President
UPDATE and follow up by Interim President Muyskens on June 9, 2020:
Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Statement
The Graduate Center, CUNY prides itself on being part of a university committed to and successful at serving as an engine of social mobility, providing opportunities to a diverse academic community. We recognize how privileged we are to play host to the brilliant individuals who go on to serve New York City, the country, and the world in critical ways. With this privilege comes a responsibility to do all that we can to ensure that members of our diverse community are safe to pursue their education and live their lives productively as they go about their daily activities.
The recent, senseless killings of three Black people — George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, who were simply living their lives — demand that we reinforce our commitment to equity and inclusion and speak out against actions that threaten the physical and emotional well-being of our community members.
The episodes of violence and police brutality against people of color can no longer be dismissed as isolated incidents. They must end. It is time for every institution of conscience to add its voice to the rising wave of those calling for justice across our country. Additionally, we must do all that we can to ensure that our own institution serves as a safe space where people of color are free to come and go and pursue their dreams and achievements without suspicion or threat, and with the same level of opportunity as their white counterparts. We pledge to confront the ways that our own institution perpetuates white privilege and racism, however subtle. The Graduate Center, CUNY is committed to these principles and stands in solidarity with all of the people of color in our community and in our nation as they oppose violence and demand justice.
We will infuse a greater awareness of injustice and its many manifestations into our work as scholars, educators, and administrators. We will convene safe spaces for dialogue and action; create awareness training for faculty, staff, and students; and evaluate all of our policies to ensure that they advance our stated goals of diversity and inclusion.
Professor Martin Ruck, senior advisor to the president for diversity and inclusion, in collaboration with our Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, will take the lead on these initiatives. The Advanced Science Research Center is also forming a committee focused on diversity, inclusion, and equity to help the ASRC fulfill its mission to nurture a distinctive and inclusive research culture.