BGE Response to Derek Chauvin Verdict
Dear BGE Community,
Today, justice has prevailed. The jury made a declaration about the value of George Floyd’s life, and the lives of all Black people, with the conviction of Derek Chauvin. Though Chauvin’s conviction is an important step in justice for George Floyd and towards addressing police violence against Black people, the work for lasting structural change must continue.
We echo the sentiments of Dean Healton and the GUMC leadership to reaffirm our commitment to a culture of inclusion and anti-racism. We want to affirm clearly and unequivocally BGE’s commitments to racial equity, anti-racism, and to justice. These principles are central to who we are as a community. We are anchored in the belief that George Floyd’s life mattered and all Black lives matter. There is still much work to do.
We will build upon our BGE EDI Strategic Plan and continue our important work to eliminate structural barriers and to deepen the work of culture change supporting underrepresented students’ wellbeing, recruiting and retaining underrepresented students, and increasing equity and representation in our curriculum.
As we continue to support each other, we want to emphasize the campus resources available to you to foster safety, solidarity, healing, and wellness. Our Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion will provide community spaces to connect. Also, please see our Racial Justice Committee for Change resources, and seek wellness and counseling support through resources in this Post Trial Wellness and Safety Toolkit.
Specific upcoming activities:
- Interfaith Moment of Reflection: Pursuing Justice Together Virtual Prayer Service
Wednesday, April 21, 6:00pm: will be streamed on the Georgetown University Facebook Page
- Healing Circles Town Hall for Black Students, Faculty & Staff hosted by the GUMC Racial Justice Committee for Change
Wednesday, April 21, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (click for Zoom link)
- GUMC Peace Vigil open to all of Georgetown
Friday, April 23, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (click for Zoom link)
- GUMC Healing Meditation with Nancy Harazduk open to all of Georgetown
Friday, April 30, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (click for Zoom link)
Counseling and Psychiatric Service (CAPS)
All GUMC students can access support through CAPS here or calling the general line at: 202-687-6985. Out of state students can also access mental health resources through HoyaWell.
Upcoming CAPS Drop-In Hours
- Wednesday 4/21 12pm-1pm: https://doxy.me/gusomcapssj
- Thursday, 4/22: 10am-12pm https://georgetown.zoom.us/j/99989211164
Please reach out to any of us if you need assistance or support.
In Solidarity,
Anna T. Riegel, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Dean for Biomedical Graduate Education,
Cecilia Rudman Fisher Professor of Oncology and Pharmacology
Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Barbara S. Bregman, P.T., Ph.D.
Professor of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Medicine
Associate Dean for Health Professions and Education Development
Biomedical Graduate Education
Caleb C. McKinney, Ph.D., M.P.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Assistant Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Training & Development
Biomedical Graduate Education
Elizabeth Song, M.Ed.
Assistant Dean of Administration and Finance
Biomedical Graduate Education