June 10, 2020 | UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute
We are writing to express our outrage and sorrow at the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and to condemn the systemic racism that is at the root of ongoing violence against Black people in this country.
We stand firmly against violence and the threat of violence against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and are committed to supporting racial justice and systemic change. Unfortunately, institutionalized racism that is the source of these violent acts is also the root cause of racial disparity that still exists in science and genomics research.
To our BIPOC students, postdocs, faculty, and staff: We are thinking of you and offer our support, care, and dedication to change.
To our non-BIPOC students, postdocs, faculty, and staff: We urge you to educate yourself and take action to be anti-racist.
Please see related statements we’ve collected here.
The Genomics Institute is committed to enhancing our efforts to challenge and break down racial injustice in our field and in our community. More specifically, we will:
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Critically assess our recruitment and retention of diverse scientists and staff and implement strategies on improving diversity within our institution
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Establish a Genomics Institute Diversity Committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students. The charge of the committee will be to critically assess the practices, research ethics, and culture of the Genomics Institute and to develop recommendations for strategic actions that reduce bias and foster the creation of a more diverse and inclusive organization. The committee will convene an annual all hands meeting to share recommendations with and receive input from the Genomics Institute community.
We welcome your voices in this effort. We have created a response form to gather comments and input.
In addition to support services offered by staff in our colleges and campus resource centers, Counseling & Psychological Services provides assistance for students. You can find a statement by Shonté Thomas, Director of the African American Resource & Cultural Center here.
For UCSC employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide counseling and support.
Photo information: The George Floyd mural outside Cup Foods at Chicago Ave and E 38th St in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 📸 Lorie Shaull. The mural, located on the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis, is the work of artists Xena Goldman, Cadex Herrera, and Greta McLain. The group finished the mural within 12 hours with the help of artists Niko Alexander and Pablo Hernandez. https://www.flickr.com/photos/number7cloud/49959004213