Faculty Statement on Solidarity
Open Letter to the Department of Chemistry:
The faculty of Princeton University’s Department of Chemistry condemn the systemic racism that led to the tragic killing of George Floyd on May 25 and the deaths of countless other Black citizens, and the debasement of Black lives across the country. We watch in alarm with you as these ominous events threaten our lives as scholars, family members, and human beings. We stand in support with those who oppose racism and discrimination in all forms.
While chemistry is a natural science, it is a distinctly human endeavor. The events in Minneapolis and elsewhere remind us that the human component demands a constant dialogue with and improvement to our mission. Among our ideals as scholars and scientists, inclusion is at the fore. Not only do we support these ideals in principle, but also in practice, evidenced in our action plans for improving diversity in the Department that will be strengthened over the next weeks and months in broad collaboration.
It’s not possible to understand completely the challenges others face in their daily lives. But it is imperative that we try. We applaud President Eisgruber’s acknowledgement during the 2020 Commencement of our collective responsibility for respect and inclusivity. And we underscore our commitment to the worth, contribution, and emotional well-being of each member of the Frick community.
In that spirit, we are reaching out to affirm for those of you feeling the extra burden of division and strife that there is solace and solidarity within our community.
–The Department of Chemistry Faculty
Princeton University support resources:
- The TigerWell Initiative – https://uhs.princeton.edu/health-promotion-prevention-services/tigerwell
- The Carl A. Fields Center for Equality + Cultural Understanding: http://fieldscenter.princeton.edu
- The Graduate School Office of Access, Diversity and Inclusion: https://gradschool.princeton.edu/diversity
- Inclusive Community Resources – https://inclusive.princeton.edu/community-resources
- Office of the Vice President for Campus Life
- Office of Religious Life: https://religiouslife.princeton.edu/
- Human Resources programs and resources: https://hr.princeton.edu/inclusivity-resources-employees
Princeton University story on faculty responses in public media:
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2020/06/05/princeton-faculty-speak-out-against-systemic-racism-and-police-violence-nation
Monday, June 8 virtual conversation on “Race in the Covid Era: What America’s History of Racism and Xenophobia Means for Today”:
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2020/06/04/race-covid-era-what-americas-history-racism-and-xenophobia-means-today-conversation