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Statement: Black Lives Matter

We are committed to justice, equity and creating a society welcoming of all.

The 2020-21 ASUU presidency’s statement regarding Black Lives Matter and the recent events that have occurred across the nation. We are committed to justice, equity and creating a society welcoming of all.

On behalf of the 2020-21 Student Body Presidency, we would like to share a few thoughts and emotions during this time. It feels as if it was just yesterday we were expressing similar sentiments in regard to Ahmaud Arbery, only now, to witness the murder of George Floyd. To now witness the failure of another police department to protect and serve, and to now witness and feel the flames of pain and outrage that have been stoked and fueled for centuries; all accumulating to the wildfire we have now.

This is not an isolated event. This authoritative behavior is unacceptable but has been accepted for far too long. The lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed and countless others mattered. Black lives matter.

We, as the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU), strive to create an inclusive environment for all, and we especially demand justice, equity and accountability, across the nation and on our own campus. We are working on a number of ways to do so and will be soon updating you on the progress of such. We ask that you also reach out to us regarding what you would like to see from us as an organization, and discuss with us how we can ALL work together going forward.

We are committed to moving our campus forward in alignment with justice. To our fellow Black, indigenous and POC students: We see you. We hear you. We support you. We pledge to constantly challenge our norms to ensure you are able to take full advantage of your educational career and opportunities around you. We are committed to supporting each other meaningfully and we stand in solidarity.

We encourage you to continue reading, continue informing yourselves and continue caring. The link in our bio on Instagram (@uofustudentgov) has an aggregated list of petitions, funds, and other resources that you can support. Take the time to support Black students, faculty and staff at this time. Consider their thoughts, feelings and emotions, and what it is like to navigate this world and our campus community while being Black.

Do not sit idly, and do not remain silent. We ask that everyone consider what contribution they can make in the ongoing fight against injustice, and towards the collective effort of developing a more ethical society than the one we grew up in.