We are all still reeling from the mass killing targeting Black Americans this weekend. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. It is clear, two years after the murder of George Floyd, that Black Americans continue to live under threat of bodily harm based solely on their race. This is unacceptable and repugnant. The gunman, an avowed white supremacist, was driven by hate towards Blacks, Jews, immigrants, and all he perceived as “other.” The increase in violent and overt white supremacy is a threat to the foundation of our society.
The mission of our law school is to educate students for equal justice. While that seems abstract in the face of bloodshed and tragedy, it is nonetheless, central to our hopes for a better future.
I want to underscore Father McShane’s response, and reiterate his message to our Black students, faculty, and staff in the wake of this heinous racist act: “You belong here. You are wanted here. We will do everything in our power to keep you safe, and to show you (both by word and gesture) that you are beloved members of the Fordham family.”
I believe we can create order even when there is chaos, and foster hope even when there is fear, if we come together and commit ourselves to serve others with the goal of equal justice for all. We must continue to do the hard work each day to combat racism that is so deeply rooted in our society.
Thank you for supporting each other now, and always.
Dean Matthew Diller