(DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)The murder of George Floyd and the ensuing trial marked another wrenching episode for the nation.
The Vincentian spirit in which DePaul University is founded demands of us attention to what is happening in our society.
We firmly believe in the principle of justice, however, we realize it is not always upheld. While we recognize racial tension and injustice are not new, we see a real potential for individual, institutional and societal change in the present moment. Today our reality invites us to work constructively toward nonviolent systemic change. We pray, yes, and we commit to action to help advance this much-needed change.
Our community is troubled, but not distressed; perplexed, but not to the point of despair, as the justice we demand and deserve often seems out of reach. The number of victims grows each week, and in truth, the individuals lost are too many to enumerate. We say their names and see their faces and it is heartbreaking. As we reflect on today's verdict, we must vow to continue to work for reform. We will do so by striving to be an inclusive and diverse community of learners who work for change.
Let us find ways to channel our efforts toward peaceful, just and equitable solutions to that, which plagues us all. Let us use our collective voice to influence legislators, leaders, neighbors and our community to join us in this work of transforming society.