In the past two weeks, the world has watched the ugly and unforgivable spectacle of racism and police brutality sweep through the streets of America.
Like so many, we at Somerville have been appalled and angered by the scenes of violence and oppression that have followed the murder of George Floyd.
We have not spoken publicly on this issue until today – and for that omission our hearts go out to all of our Black students who have experienced the last several days of anger and pain without our support by their side.
Some things need to be said out loud. They cannot be assumed.
We take this opportunity to say that Somerville College condemns racism in all its forms. We condemn the institutions and systems of power that perpetuate violence across successive generations. We reaffirm our commitment to include the excluded, regardless of race, faith, gender or sexuality.
Most of all, we stand in solidarity with our students, academics and staff who are hurting right now, who cannot live with such injustice a day longer, and who are determined to make a better world. As a college, we can do more, we must do more and we will do more.
Black lives matter. We stand together.
Jan Royall, Principal, and the Fellows of Somerville College