Vanderbilt statement on racial injustice in our society

To the Vanderbilt community,

Over the past days, as a university community and across the country, we are grieving for George Floyd and all the violent deaths our country has witnessed as evidence of racism and injustice. In Nashville yesterday, a large peaceful protest attended by thousands gave way by evening to a much smaller collection of violent protestors. From this smaller group, we saw the destruction of parts of Nashville, which was echoed in many cities across the nation.

As your interim chancellor and provost, I am deeply saddened by these tragedies and recognize the pain, angst and fear among members of our African American community. Our statement last week reflected Vanderbilt’s long-held position that we do not tolerate racism, prejudice, hatred or violence in any form.

In the spirit of many of those who have been a part of the Vanderbilt community, like the Rev. James Lawson Jr., we will not be silent, and we must address the root causes that have driven us to this point as a society. The open wounds of racial injustice and inequality and structural barriers to equity have festered in America for too long. These inequities have been further magnified in recent months by a pandemic and economic downturn that is creating heightened challenges and uncertainty for us all. Yet even here, hardships have fallen disproportionately on Black, Indigenous and Latinx communities.

For Vanderbilt, the path forward means going beyond just listening. We need to call out acts of hatred and racism. We need to draw on our strength as an institution of scholarship and discovery to uncover truth, to support individual and collective actions within our community, and to offer meaningful ways forward to help society heal. As a university, we have long served as a safe harbor for the vigorous exchange of ideas and viewpoints. However, we strongly condemn those who wish to stoke the fires of divisiveness and hatred.

As a collection of diverse educators, learners, scholars and researchers, we will be united by inclusion and diversity. Our leaders André L. Churchwell, vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, and William H. Robinson, interim vice provost for strategic initiatives, who directs the Office for Inclusive Excellence, will host several community engagement initiatives in the days ahead. In partnership with Incoming Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, I assure you that Vanderbilt’s leadership team is committed to taking further meaningful, productive action to continue our work for racial justice and equality in our local, regional and national communities. Your voices and contributions are essential as we push forward.

We also firmly believe in the transformative power of education. Yesterday’s events in Nashville and across the country during the week—and those leading up to them—once again serve as a tragic reminder that we need to strengthen our efforts to address the systemic issues that are having such deep and destructive impacts on so many people’s lives, issues such as the structural racism that exists in our criminal justice, housing and education systems.

Let us learn from this moment. I ask you to hear the cries for change, care for one another and acknowledge the pain and exhaustion, and I ask each of us to do our part to help our community, city and nation come together during this time. Let us rededicate ourselves and our talents to deepening understanding and addressing the complex challenges that permeate our society.

Like you, I long for brighter days ahead. Yet I know there is much painful, difficult work we must accomplish to achieve racial justice in this country. Vanderbilt is wholeheartedly committed to this most worthy goal.

Sincerely,

Susan R. Wente
Interim Chancellor and Provost

• Statement from Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion André L. Churchwell regarding the death of George Floyd
• Statement from Vice Provost for Academic Advancement William H. Robinson regarding the violence against Black people

Resources for the Vanderbilt Community