As the DePaul community prepares for the launch of tomorrow's online commencement ceremonies, DePaul University recognizes the difficult realities faced by those in our own community.
Original programming for DePaul's 2020 commencement ceremonies was recorded before the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests for justice. However, it is important to take a moment during this typically celebratory time to acknowledge that racism and racial discrimination persists and continues to result in violations of human rights, suffering, disadvantage, violence and death. In the video message above, DePaul President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., shares a message with the Class of 2020 about Mr. Floyd's death and using their voices for change.
Furthermore, at the beginning of each college's ceremony, we will pause for a moment of silence to recognize that members of our African American community and their loved ones continue to struggle for recognition of their humanity in this country.
For more information about the ceremonies including launch times, programs and how to celebrate the Class of 2020's achievements on social media, please visit DePaul's commencement website.