St. Lawrence Joins Associated Colleges, New York Six Consortium in Providing Support, Community Resources Following Derek Chauvin Conviction
St. Lawrence University joined colleges and universities from throughout the North Country and across New York State in responding to the conviction of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd.
The Associated Colleges statement, signed by St. Lawrence President William L. Fox ’75, Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion Kimberly Flint-Hamilton, and neighboring college presidents and chief diversity officers, was shared with campus community members on Tuesday, April 20, following the verdict. In addition to St. Lawrence, the Associated Colleges includes Clarkson University, SUNY Canton, and SUNY Potsdam.
The New York Six Liberal Arts Consortium also issued a joint statement signed by President Fox and the presidents from the schools that was shared with the campus community on Wednesday, April 21. In addition to St. Lawrence, the consortium includes Colgate University, Hamilton College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Skidmore College, and Union College.
For campus community members in need of support and resources, please visit:
- University Chaplain Shaun Whitehead, at Gunnison Chapel 200, (315) 229-5256, chapel@stlawu.edu
- University Counseling Center: (315) 229-5392, healthcenter@stlawu.edu, 76 Park Street
- 24-hour Counseling Service: (315) 229-1914
- Campus Safety and Security: (315) 229-5555
- Black Mental Health Alliance: https://blackmentalhealth.com/
- Kimberly Flint-Hamilton, Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, (315) 229-1881, kflint@stlawu.edu
Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley Joint Statement on the Conviction of Derek Chauvin for the Murder of George Floyd
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been convicted of the murder of George Floyd by a jury in Minnesota.
Among the members of the Associated Colleges, we have witnessed our friends, colleagues and students experience, once again, throughout this trial not only the trauma of George Floyd’s murder, but also the murder and mistreatment of so many other Black Americans — adding to their own personal, daily trauma. The testimony of the trial witnesses as they helplessly watched George Floyd beg Officer Chauvin for his life is a testament to the trauma of systemic racism and the way that Black lives are devalued.
For some, the high profile of this particular case has been a sign of change. But, less than a year later, we are still witnessing shocking killings that demand we do more. In the last month, the killing of 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Minneapolis and 13-year-old Adam Toledo in Chicago underscore that we must continue to demand and support change in our law enforcement and justice systems. We must work towards a society that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion.
The verdict for conviction of Chauvin on the charges of murder and manslaughter is a small step toward justice and dismantling systemic racism.
We clearly have a long, long way to go.
The Associated Colleges of St. Lawrence Valley invites all members of the North Country to take part in reflection and action in order to support anti-racism and truly equal justice for all. Please make time to join us for ongoing critical discussions about the impacts — subtle and obvious — of racism on the wellbeing of our communities. We must do better.
The Presidents and Chief Diversity Officers of the
Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley
A Statement from the New York Six Presidents Concerning the Chauvin Trial Verdict
Today, a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of murder in the May 25, 2020, killing of George Floyd.
Like communities across the nation, our campuses have been roiled by Mr. Floyd’s murder and by the violence inflicted upon people of color in incidents that are far too frequent. The recent deaths of Daunte Wright in Minneapolis and Adam Toledo in Chicago remind us that much work remains to be done to end systemic racism and racialized policing.
We call upon all members of our communities to commit themselves to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and in everything we do, everywhere we go. Our actions cannot bring back lives that have been tragically and violently cut short, and cannot ease the suffering of grieving families. But taking determined action against racism and injustice is the only way we will prevent these killings from happening in the future and begin to heal as a nation.
Each of our schools will provide opportunities for discussions about the Chauvin case in the coming days, and many resources are available to members of our campus communities who need support. Join us in this critically important work.
Sincerely,
William L. Fox, St. Lawrence University
Brian W. Casey, Colgate University
David Wippman, Hamilton College
Joyce P. Jacobsen, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Marc C. Conner, Skidmore College
David R. Harris, Union College