In the wake of racially charged violence and terror over the weekend, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the Charlottesville community. Activist Heather Heyer, as well as Virginia Police Officers Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates, all lost their lives. Additionally, several others were injured due to these senseless acts.
The actions of white nationalist and alt-right groups offend the very nature of my personal and professional beliefs. These actions are also counter to the institutional goals that we have set forth here at the University of Michigan around diversity, equity and inclusion.
As Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, I am incredibly proud of the values we hold as a university community. The events in Charlottesville this weekend further exemplify the importance of strengthening our commitment to building a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just campus community, and larger society.
We have a long way to go, and I look forward to your continued partnership in this important work.
Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer,
Robert Sellers