Dear Hunter Community,
Today, we have seen the American judicial system function at its best, the way it was designed to work: with equal justice for all. Yet this is a solemn moment for all of us in the Hunter community—a beginning, not an end—because we know that the commitment to end race-based inequity, once and for all, must continue. The jury verdict in Minneapolis has confirmed that Black lives matter—in society and in the law.
We stand in full support of the verdict convicting Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Floyd family. While we recognize the rightfulness of this legal outcome, we cannot forget that there is still a great deal of work to be done to end the historical legacy of racial injustices that permeates our criminal justice systems. As social workers, we remain steadfast in our commitment towards that end.
The Silberman Community
The Silberman School of Social Work community stands in solidarity with people across the USA and globally in mourning the Atlanta Spa murders of eight people, six being Asian American women. We voice our strong support to all those affected deeply by these heinous and tragic acts in Atlanta.
As Michelle Alexander notes, racism is highly adaptable in the United States. The rules and reasons the political system employs to enforce relations of any kind, including racial hierarchy, evolve and change as they are challenged.
Laura Graham Holmes earned her degree B.A. from Florida State University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Utah with a focus on youth and families. Dr. Holmes completed her capstone clinical training at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
