Date:
June 3, 2020
To:
The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Community
Re:
Statement on current crisis in the USA
We are saddened and angered by the senseless killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. The peaceful mass street protests taking place in dozens of cities across the country reflect the profound frustrations, not only with the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers directed at people of color, but with the systemic racism African Americans have been subjected to in the U.S. for generations. The Herbert School of Communication recognizes the pain these developments have caused for many members of our community, especially since it coincides with the tragic news of over 100-thousand U.S. deaths as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 40-plus-million people out of work caused by the economic shutdown, stark realities which have also detrimentally impacted Blacks, Latinx and other marginalized communities. As media educators and students aspiring to become communication leaders, but most importantly as citizens, we must address head-on the issue of police brutality and the sustained injustices against the Black community and communities of color in general. We, as citizens, must support and defend the right to peacefully assemble and to be heard. In doing so, we should recognize that in Hofstra University’s immediate vicinity, these same issues are impacting our neighbors on a daily basis. Herbert School faculty and administrators recognize the immense ethical and moral responsibility we have in creating an array of mediated messages with respect, accuracy, and sensitivity, to take seriously the impact these images and words may have on people, whether they are our colleagues, are part of the stories we’re covering, or members of the audience receiving these messages. Martin Luther King stated: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." We stand for change. A better world is indeed possible. And we are ready to forge the path with you towards building that better world together. In future communications in the coming days and weeks, we will keep you posted on specific actions, events, and projects that the Diversity and Inclusion Committee will lead, alongside all of you, with these objectives in mind. Looking forward, always…stay strong and be safe! Signed, MEMBERS OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE: Bruce Avery, General Manager, WRHU, Radio Hofstra University Ivan Cardona, Assistant Professor, Dept. Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations Robyn Crosby, Director of Operations, Personnel, and Budget Russell Chun, Assistant Professor, Dept. Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations Adeline Davis, Student, Herbert School Nicole Franklin, Assistant Professor, Dept. Radio, Television, Film Russell Harbaugh, Assistant professor, Dept. Radio, Television, Film Sara Hendricks, Professional in Residence, WRHU, Radio Hofstra University Phil Katzman, Associate Professor, Chair, Dept. Radio Television, Film Mario A. Murillo, Vice Dean, Professor, Herbert School Victoria Semple, Associate Professor, Dept. Journalism, Media Studies, Film Patricia Szenher, Equipment Room Manager, Adjunct Assistant Professor, RTVF