To All Members of the Campus Community: As we take a break from the daily rhythm of classes and work to gather with loved ones this week, some of you also may be struggling with emotions surrounding the recent trials for those found responsible for the death of Ahmaud Arbery, and for Kyle Rittenhouse who… Continue Reading Message from President Mark Schlissel and Vice Provost Robert SellersRead More
To the University of Michigan Community, As we head toward the holiday season, I once again invite you to complete the DEI climate survey if you have not already. The climate survey provides one of the most effective and influential ways to hear your voice and experiences. The survey results will be critical to our… Continue Reading SELLERS: To the U-M Community on the DEI Climate Survey ProcessRead More
To the University Community, As we commemorate Juneteenth this year, its 156th anniversary is an especially monumental moment with the federal passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Holiday. This holiday represents a joyous moment celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States – originating in Galveston, Texas. The day… Continue Reading SELLERS: Juneteenth celebration is an opportunity to recommit to ending racismRead More
From the Desk of Robert Sellers on the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial As our nation continues to grapple with civil unrest related to systemic racism, the death of George Floyd over a year ago and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin have been at the forefront of our national dialogue. Following many weeks… Continue Reading SELLERS: Justice Happens When This Never Happens AgainRead More
To All Members of the University Community, As our nation continues to grapple with an evolving pandemic and racial reckoning, it is with a heavy heart to learn that eight people were killed at three separate Atlanta-area spas on Tuesday. I would like to extend my sincerest and deepest condolences to the families and friends… Continue Reading SELLERS: In Wake of Atlanta shootings, We Must Come Together for a More Just WorldRead More
To the Campus Community, With the conclusion of the fall semester, we enter a period of holidays and celebrations across many faiths, cultures and traditions. Common threads across these celebrations are messages of hope, peace, love, reflection, caring and service. This fall we entered Year Five of our DEI Strategic Plan, held our first virtual… Continue Reading Season’s Greetings from the Office of Diversity, Equity & InclusionRead More
To the University Community, The 2020 election has been a significant moment in American history and one that will continue to provoke strong emotions and reactions from across the political spectrum. The run-up to the election sometimes led to painful and inappropriate dialogue from political candidates that have resulted in a general sense of uncertainty… Continue Reading Our National Election May Be Over, But There is Still Much Work To Be DoneRead More
By Robert M. Sellers Growing up the son of a minister and two civil rights activists, one of my favorite gospel songs is “I don’t feels no ways tired.” That song, like so many other songs from my African American culture, evokes an everlasting optimism about tomorrow that is built on “the faith that our… Continue Reading OP-ED: I Am So TiredRead More
To All Members of the University Community, In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Mark Schlissel announced sweeping measures on March 13 to protect the health and safety of our entire community. In the seven weeks since this announcement, we have seen our “curve” flatten, a positive impact of social distancing reported by Michigan Medicine.… Continue Reading A statement of support for our Asian community during the COVID-19 pandemicRead More
