UNC Asheville Chancellor Nancy J. Cable issued the following statement in an email to students, faculty and staff on the morning of June 1, 2020:
Like so many of you I am outraged by the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died in the custody of police officers in Minneapolis who ignored his pleas to breathe. This tragic loss of life is, once again, emblematic of the deeply entrenched racism, injustice and social inequities that undermine the personal rights and dignity of countless individuals who are the victims of violence and unjust treatment in this country. I condemn these actions and add my voice to all of us calling for transparent action, accountability and a rejection of racism in all of its forms in this nation.
During this time of COVID-19, “we’re all in this together” has been used to unify us in care and compassion for one another in the best interest of community public health. However, we must acknowledge the deep racial, ethnic and discriminatory divides across this country that make it painfully clear that too many are not treated equally, nor with humane justice for all.
At UNC Asheville, our abiding commitment to equality and equity must seek to foster an educational environment that focuses on our active and determined commitment to respect and value all people. As we work toward greater justice and equity, I invite each of us to remember, and to act upon, our responsibilities to preserve individual rights, the dignity of all, and a sense of justice for every member of our community.
In this time of pain and anxiety we have resources available for all faculty, staff and students. Students in need of personal support may contact Health and Counseling Services at 828.251.6520. The Faculty and Staff Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling 24/7, is available at 1-866-440-6556.
I urge each of us within the UNC Asheville academic community to educate ourselves on the issues of injustice and to work against inequality and racism everywhere. I also invite us to support one another during these painful, troubling and tragic times. Let us continue to stand together to fight racism in all of its forms in this nation and around the world.
We as leaders, faculty, staff and students at UNC Asheville actively stand for justice, inclusion and equality for all people.
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