The UMD Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations Unit condemns racism in all forms and is committed to dismantling systemic racism. We pledge to follow the suggestions of the University of Minnesota Office of Equity and Diversity, which are to:
1. Listen: Listen to members of Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color who continue to experience the damaging effects of historical trauma, oppression, and systemic racism. Our communities have knowledge and lived experiences that must be elevated.
2. Learn: Learn about anti-Blackness and its pervasive and harmful impact on Black communities. Learn more about your role in creating change. Dismantling systemic racism cannot happen without an understanding of the history of our University, state, and nation.
3. Support: Support impacted communities. Donate. Volunteer. Create intentional spaces to process anger, sadness, and grief. There are many immediate and long-term needs.
4. Advocate: Make your voice heard. Get involved in efforts to create change within and beyond the University. Systemic change cannot happen without direct action and advocacy.
We welcome any ideas and suggestions on how to move forward. Please reach out to our office ([email protected]) with any feedback on how the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) can create a more welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for all, particularly with those individuals in our community who identify as Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized people.
We commit to reviewing all our policies, procedures, and historical practices with the goal of identifying and addressing any instances of oppressive practices within our Unit. We also pledge to update and report our findings and the actions taken in our commitment to you. We look forward to progressive change at our University, in our community, and our country. Thank you for your partnership at this critical moment in our nation’s history!
UReport provides a way for University community members to report violations of rules, regulations and policies. The report can be made anonymously.