Message from the President
June 2, 2020
Dear UTRGV Family,
As we begin a new semester and continue to safely and gradually reopen our campus, we do so with sadness, anger and grave concern. The tragic death of George Floyd and other recent incidences throughout our country have highlighted the fact that racism and injustice continue to plague our society.
Allow me to reaffirm to you that, during this turbulent time in our country, UTRGV remains committed to promoting access, diversity and inclusion to ensure that ALL members of our campus community have opportunities to succeed. Each student, staff, and faculty member who makes up our UTRGV community is an important part of our diverse university family, and we should all strive to live and express that unity every day in our interactions with each other.
I also want you to know that UTRGV stands ready to support you and to find a way to navigate these difficult times together. It is going to take more than just a commitment to solve difficult issues that have plagued our country for generations. A commitment to these principles is a good foundation on which to start, but we also know the university needs support mechanisms in place to ensure that we follow through on that commitment.
Recent events have been unsettling and the only way to assure that similar actions do not occur on our campus is to speak up. If you experience racism or injustice now or in the future, please communicate directly with your faculty and/or supervisors about your specific situation. Likewise, if you see your classmates or colleagues being the target of racism or discrimination, speak up for them and report it.
UTRGV has dedicated resources available to help support you:
- For students, confidential support for personal issues or concerns is available at the Student Life and Dean of Students office; Center for Diversity and Inclusion; Counseling Center; Office for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention; and the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity.
- For faculty and staff, confidential support for personal issues or concerns is available through Human Resources in cooperation with the UT Employee Assistance Program, the Office for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention, and the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity.
I also encourage you to read this statement issued by our UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken. I echo his sentiments, and feel strongly that this is a time to channel our energies, independently and collectively, into positive change and to celebrate our differences and diversity. We can set the example for our community and for our nation. You have my strongest support.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President
Edited on June 2, 2020 by including links and additional resources.