Our Commitment to Work for Justice and Equity

The following is a message from the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion, and the Student Government Association.

Dear Hawks,

The Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion, and the Student Government Association are devastated and outraged by the acts of racial injustice and police brutality happening in America to Black people, adding to the long history of oppression and violence against racially marginalized groups. We are dedicated to supporting our Black and Brown students through the trauma, pain, and grief of these dehumanizing experiences, and to helping our larger community process and understand why these difficult to comprehend events continue to occur.

We understand the work for justice and equity must be approached conscientiously and done with the focused intent of being transformational. Therefore, we are committed to engaging in the continuous dialogue focused on justice and equity and the ongoing education of our campus community around systems of white privilege and racism, and how they manifest in society to oppress Black people, communities of color, and other marginalized groups. Through listening, meaningful dialogue, education, and action, we will continue to challenge ourselves, students, colleagues, friends, and families to be better and do better.

Juneteenth: Celebrate Freedom

Friday, June 19, at noon (Eastern time), we are collaborating with the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity & Community Engagement and other campus partners to host “Juneteenth: Celebrate Freedom.” See full details.

Community Forum

Thursday, June 25, at 6 p.m. (Eastern time), we will be hosting a Community Forum to address the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Rayshard Brooks, BLM, national protests, and the implications for students. Staff and faculty panelists will listen and discuss the questions and suggestions from students.

• Students: Submit questions in advance, or ask during the event via the Q&A function.
• Faculty and staff : You are encouraged to join us and hear the questions, concerns, and suggestions of the students. For folks who have limited interactions with students, this will be an opportunity to gain insight into their experience at the University of Hartford and what they’re hoping to see from the University.
• Join the WebEx event. Additional details:
  Meeting Number (Access Code): 161 423 8707 (Needed if joining using iOS or Android app or calling in.)
  Password: hawks
  Call-In Phone number: 1.877.668.4493

Roundtable Discussions

Beginning the week of June 30, we will be hosting weekly roundtable discussions between students of color and faculty and staff of color. These times will be an opportunity for folks to connect and share their experiences, hopes, fears, and suggestions for how they would like to see the University move forward. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more and/or participating in these conversations.

Hart to Heart Weekly Workshops

Also starting the week of June 30, we will be hosting a weekly workshop open to all students, and primarily geared toward allies and other members of the majority population, called “Hart to Heart,” to provide education and opportunities for deeper understanding of topics such as white privilege, microaggressions, intent vs. impact, allyship, and more. Students, if you’re interested in learning more and/or joining this workshop series, please complete this form. A similar series will be offered for faculty and staff in the coming months.

Resources

Please visit our new resources page, including books, articles, podcasts, and other media about the history and effects of racism. The list is by no means exhaustive and we will continue to add new resources. In the fall, we will hold Community Forums each semester to invite students to share their experiences, concerns, questions, and suggestions.

Fall Programs and Workshops

Additional programs and workshops are being planned for students, staff, and faculty for the fall; details will be sent to the campus community once they are finalized.

 

To UHart’s Black students, staff, faculty, and alumni: We see you, we hear you, we stand with you, we love you. Black Lives Matter.

 

In solidarity,

Office of the Dean of Students
Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion
Student Government Association