Dear UMPI Community,

In this time of crisis, as our nation grapples with issues of racism, inequality, and how to move forward, UMPI leaders have come to an important determination. We have been clear in campus messages about our stance on racial injustice and our desire to approach it from an ethics of care. But based on the recent direct lived experiences of members of our campus community, including our students, we felt it was important to be even more forthright.

In response, we have composed this statement, “Black Lives Matter at UMPI“. I am proud to have all members of UMPI’s executive leadership team as well as faculty, staff, and student leaders join me as signatories. We wanted to ensure this was an inclusive activity, so members of the UMPI community are invited to add their signatures to this statement as a demonstration of support. Just visit www.umpi.edu/blm and click on the “Add Your Name” button. Each of us can do something to help effect important, positive, and lasting change. I look forward to working together to make that happen.