June 5, 2020

Dear UConn alumni and donors,

We are grieving with the nation. The UConn Foundation stands in solidarity with the African-American community and all citizens in condemning the killing of George Floyd and systemic racism. We are unified in the determination to fight for racial justice and equality. We must acknowledge the systemic roots of racism throughout our culture—from inequities in the justice and the public education systems to disparities in health care and communities that have led to disproportionate illness and death in the African-American community during the coronavirus pandemic. The legacy of injustice persists in silence. We add our voices to the resolute call to end the silence. Black lives matter.

We have compiled links to announcements and resources from across the University so that our alumni and donors can learn more:

Other UConn Letters to the Community
Racial Justice Resources from the UConn Office of Diversity and Inclusion
10 Books to Read About Race
 
We also want to share the letter to the community by UConn President Thomas Katsouleas and Provost Carl Lejuez, in which they contextualize current events and provide the lens through which we can examine and address racism and violence. Please read their message on UConn Today.

Sincerely,

Staff of the UConn Foundation