June 8, 2020
Dear Dietrich School Graduate Students:
Over the past week, University leaders have reached out to us all in the wake of the killing of George Floyd to decry the “persistent and systemic racism [that] continues to fuel a deep injustice toward African Americans” (Chancellor Gallagher), to affirm that, as a Pitt community, “We stand together against racist violence and injustice” (Provost Cudd), and to exhort us to effect the “bold, necessary change” that our dark times demand (Dean Blee). As we echo their messages, the team in the Office of Graduate Studies join us to let you know that we are here for you and we care about you.
To our Black students, and to all our students of color: As we bear witness, once again, to the horrific workings of systemic oppression and racism grounded in this country’s legacy of violence, discrimination, and inequality directed against Black people, we acknowledge the suffering many of you are experiencing. We recognize that many of you will have feelings of being targeted, isolated, not heard, unvalued. Please know that, as your graduate school, we are committed to sustaining an environment in which all students feel safe, welcome, seen, heard, and supported, and where you all feel a sense of belonging and inclusion. You each matter to us and to your graduate studies team. Amidst our ongoing strategic work to strengthen diversity and inclusion, we recognize, with a sense of impatience and urgency, that more of that vital work remains yet to be done.
To all our graduate students: Graduate school is a demanding experience that, even in the best of years, can at times feel overwhelming. During this global pandemic, you are navigating unexpected disruptions to your academic, professional, and personal lives. As we all reel in response to recent national events, we care deeply about your mental health and well-being as graduate students. We encourage you to explore and use the resources of the University Counseling Center available for all graduate students. UCC’s online services and resources to support our students of color and allies include:
- Racial Trauma & Self-Care Resources
- Virtual Wellness Workshops
- TAO, Therapy Assistance Online, a private online library of behavioral health resources.
As you practice physical distancing, it is important you foster social connection. Please reach out to one another, treat each other with kindness, and listen with empathy to the lived experiences of those around you. Hear the pain, rage, and grief that stories of injustices may carry. It is incumbent upon all of us to listen to, and amplify, underrepresented voices. In recognizing systemic racism, one of the actions we can all take is to engage with anti-racist literature and other resources that can inform how we can contribute to diminishing racial inequalities and educate ourselves on what it means to be truly anti-racist. As we bear witness, as we think deeply about how we all can affirm that Black Lives Matter, and as we confront racism, we must seek peaceful ways toward effecting necessary, meaningful change.
In these dark times, we must strive for the light of social justice. Amidst the ongoing protests nationwide and around the globe, we are hopeful that, together, we can move forward toward a more equitable and inclusive future.
We will be following up by next week with further resources and ways for all to engage.
Please stay safe, stay connected, and stay engaged.
Sincerely,
Holger Hoock, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research
Philippa Carter, Director of Diversity Initiatives and Ombudsperson
Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
University of Pittsburgh
Additional Resources You May Find Helpful
Philippa Carter, Director of Diversity Initiatives in the DSAS Office of Graduate Studies, can be reached at pkc3@pitt.edu or 412-624-6096
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Office of the Dean of Students
Center on Race and Social Problems: videos of past lectures on policing and justice. Interim center director James Huguley penned an op-ed for The Pitt News on concrete actions individuals can take.
The offices of Diversity and Inclusion and Health Sciences Diversity hosted a June 3 town hall, “I Can’t Breathe: From Agony to Activism.” The video and highlights are available for viewing.
Anti-Racism Resources for Kids
Forthcoming Events
June 10: David Harris, the Sally Ann Semenko Endowed Chair and professor of law at Pitt, and host of a podcast, Criminal Injustice, will lead a virtual discussion: “Race, Police and Unarmed Civilian Deaths: What Can Be Done?”
July 28-30: Pitt will host a virtual Diversity Forum, featuring speaker, activist and writer Ibram X. Kendi, among others.