Dear Campus Community,

This afternoon, a jury in Minneapolis returned three guilty verdicts against Derek Chauvin, acknowledging that his brutal killing of George Floyd was murder. This will not bring George Floyd back to life, nor will it undo centuries of harm against Black Americans. Instead, this is a reminder that we must continue in our pursuit of justice. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Even as the Chauvin trial was underway, Daunte Wright was killed by police during a traffic stop in nearby Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Days later, Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old Latino boy, was killed by police in Chicago. After all of us watched the video of George Floyd’s killing, after protests and calls for change, police violence against Black and Brown Americans continues.

Though we have begun to implement changes at UC Riverside, we must continue to examine policing and seek change, on our campus and in our communities. We must do more to seek equity. Learn more about race, racism, and policing, beginning with a list of resources recommended by UCR faculty and staff.

Additionally, we recognize the emotional challenges this trial may cause. If you need support, we have resources available to help you. 

Students who need professional and confidential mental health support, may contact UCR’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 951-827-5531. CAPS offers free services to all UC Riverside students.  They have set up time for virtual walk-in appointments today from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone who wants to discuss the trial and verdict. For additional questions about student resources, contact vcsa@ucr.edu.  

Staff and faculty can contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program for confidential counseling, referral, or other resources.