Statement from Dean Lynn Warner

Dear School of Social Welfare Community,
 

I am heartsick and outraged by the recent brutal murder of George Floyd. His killing is yet another painful example that systematic racism and oppression are deeply engrained in our society. Sadly, his name is added to an unconscionably long list of people whose lives have been deliberately ended at the hands of police, or through other state-sanctioned violence. The same insidious racism has created enduring inequalities in income, nutrition, and health care, so it is predictable but horrendous that Black and Latinx communities are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.  It all feels like too much to bear.
 

To the Black and Brown members of this School community, I offer that I, a White woman, cannot fully comprehend the range or depth of your reactions to these assaults. I can, however, join with you to ensure that all our activities – whether inside or outside our classes - are undertaken intentionally to create a society that is equitable for all.
 

To our entire community, I am hopeful that we can take steps each day that will bring us closer to a world where compassion and genuine kindness replace violence and mistrust. These sound like such simple goals, yet the road behind us reminds us that achieving them is anything but simplistic. However, I believe we will find our way if we collectively adhere to professional social work ethics and values, and use our privileges and talents in coordinated efforts.
 

I encourage each of you to provide suggestions for actions we should take now and in the future. As I receive them, I will share them with student groups, faculty and staff to add to the array of social justice activities already underway at the School. With your help, we can co-create a clear and visible strategy to make our communities safe for everyone.
 

Let us learn, act, and advocate together so all may breathe.

Lynn A. Warner
Dean and Professor