EXSS Response to National Events

A message from the faculty and staff in Exercise and Sport Science and Campus Recreation

Dear Community,

The Department of Exercise & Sport Science (EXSS) stands in solidarity with those who express concern and indignation over the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade as well as the other continued acts of racial violence impacting Black lives and people of color in this country. We know these events are traumatic for our students, staff and faculty. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionate impact on people of color magnify the pain caused by racial inequality and racial violence.

We want to extend our support to Black Americans and others who have been, and continue to be, deeply affected and hurting by these events and the current situation in our country. It has been too long since the killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida, Michael Brown in Missouri, Eric Garner in New York, Tamir Rice in Ohio, and so many others whose names and memories should be honored.  Entrenched racism has created dramatic racial disparities in health, education, employment, and other aspects of life which are further exacerbated by the pandemic.  We firmly stand in solidarity with all who are hurting in any way due to racial injustice and the acts of brutality and violence against the people of this country and throughout the world.

EXSS is committed to upholding and promoting equity, increasing the representation of and leadership opportunities for diverse students, staff and faculty, and creating an environment of racial and cultural inclusivity. To facilitate these efforts we will be sending out information about our current diversity initiatives, a survey to learn more about your experiences and how we can improve our department and programs, and ways for you to become involved in these efforts.

#BlackLivesMatter