29 June 2020
The Steering Committee of the Metropolitan State Faculty Federation enthusiastically endorses the Resolution For Black, Brown, and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Impacted by State and Police Violence issued by the Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy, the Africana Studies Department and the Chicana/o Studies Department.
As a body constituted by faculty across MSU Denver, we are committed to working as allies with these departments. As individuals we commit to the behaviors and policy positions articulated in this resolution and as an organization, we commit to using our platform to amplify these issues and policies.
We are indebted to these departments for taking leadership at this moment.
In Solidarity, The Steering Committee of the Metropolitan State Faculty Federation
President Davidson’s message on racial injustice, dialogue and healing
Janine Davidson, Ph.D., MSU Denver president
June 3, 2020
Dear MSU Denver community members,
The tragic death of George Floyd and the tumultuous events that have unfolded over the past week are a heartbreaking reminder of the deep-rooted systemic racism and increasing political polarization in our country. I have struggled to find words to express my own grief and anger as my heart aches for the Floyd, Taylor, Arbery, McAtee and Scurlock families, and for all those who may have seen a reflection of their own life experience in that traumatic video footage. As a white woman, I have not personally had to endure nor fear the violent injustices at the root of this tragedy. But as the president of one of the largest and most diverse universities in Colorado, I am seized by this moment and am committed to help channel this collective and justifiable anger into meaningful anti-racist change.
I cannot help but think about the experiences of our black students, faculty and staff, in particular, and the perpetual injustices and indignities many of them have endured simply because of the color of their skin. To our black students, faculty and staff, I want you to know that the entire Roadrunner family stands with you against racial injustice and violence. MSU Denver is a diverse community that is passionately committed to social justice. Together, we must work to model the compassionate and inclusive society we can envision. This requires respectful and meaningful dialogue that includes the interrogation of our own deep-seated biases. And that is only the beginning.
Continue reading the President’s message…
Summer 2020 Dialogue Series
How Do We Talk About Race?
The death of black men and women due to police violence and deep rooted systemic racism have resulted in protests across the country (and the world). As a result, many in the campus community may be struggling to identify how they feel, provide support to others, engage with others on social media, talk with their family and friends, or with their coworkers about what is going on and about race.
The Dialogues Program recognizes the importance to listen and share with each other about what is happening right now. And the importance of action. We also understand that the now includes our current context of Covid-19 and experiencing a health crisis that has wide ranging ripple effects, as well.
We will be hosting several events this summer, starting with a Livestream Event on June 8th where Dr. Katia Campbell will be moderating a panel of Black scholars from across the University as they discuss, How Do We Talk About What’s Going On?
Continue reading about the Dialogue Series.
Minneapolis Demands Justice
On May 25, George Floyd was murdered. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. The emotions that engulfed Minneapolis in flames this week are demonstrations of pain and cries for justice. These uprisings symbolize the hurt, fear and anger that are boiling over in the face of anti-blackness and continued racial and social injustice.
As activists in communities across the country chant “no justice, no peace,” the only choice in front of us is to create a different path. We demand justice be served.
Stand in solidarity with the educators and residents of Minneapolis, and with our union siblings who are peacefully protesting with us, by adding your name to our petition.