I've been asked for a statement of support of Black students, staff, faculty and alumni. I know the Black community has received lots of statements of support, which mean little without action. I am a white person continuously learning to better hear Black students, staff and faculty. I know that, like other white people, I need to work intentionally to really hear to Black students, staff, and faculty, to receive what they share with me, and not impose my own interpretation based on my experience as a white person.

I commit to deepening my understanding and efforts in order to act as a better ally for my Black students and colleagues. I offer support in the form of this commitment: that I will "come get my people" - to help other white folks see where they perform colorblind racism, to own my own mistakes and commit to not making them again, to refrain from tone-policing Black colleagues, and to being an ally behind closed doors. I hear you; I see you; I value you; I will do better to support you. <3