Statement from Dean Lynn Warner

Dear School of Social Welfare Community,
 

Words are insufficient, but at this moment words are all l have. Here are three: Black Lives Matter. I share those words with you now because this week has brought more evidence of police brutality aimed at Black men – this time with the shooting of Jacob Blake. It is heartbreaking to see photos in the press of Mr. Blake with his three sons, and to read that his boys witnessed their father being shot in the back. For now, he is still breathing. 

As our School has been preparing for the start of a new academic year, I have been reminded what a privilege it is to be the Dean of the School of Social Welfare, where all of us -- faculty, staff and students -- devote ourselves to the realization of a fair and just society and institutions that are diverse, inclusive and equitable. With that privilege comes many responsibilities. And so, with this message, I underscore our School’s responsibility to recognize racism and dismantle the racist systems that are to blame for the fear, anger and exhaustion that Black people in this country live with. 

Again, right now all you see are words. But in the coming days, we will learn, act, and advocate together so all may breathe.

Lynn A. Warner
Dean and Professor