Dear Nazareth Community;
We watched with horror and disgust the video of a Minneapolis police officer killing George Floyd, a black man who was handcuffed and held to the ground for over eight minutes with a knee to his neck while other officers watched. This killing came in the wake of the recent killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man out for a run in Georgia. Then, while not involving a killing, there was the recent incident in Central Park where a white woman called the police because Christian Cooper, a black man who was bird watching, asked her to put her dog on a leash as required by Park rules. She called the police claiming that an African American man was threatening her. These recent incidents of intentional racism occurred against the backdrop of the structural racism that reveals itself in the disproportionate COVID-19 illness and death rates among people of color.
These events are further reminders of the depth of racism that confront the black and brown fellow members of our communities. They, of course, are not isolated occurrences but rather part of a continuing history of racism, and we know that such racial violations result in lasting trauma, not only for the immediate victims and their families but for all people who are potential targets. Moreover, racist behavior and rhetoric weaken our collective humanity.
Along with the apocalyptic challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, we must face the challenges of racism and white supremacy. We need to be that much more intentional about connecting across difference and division, enlarging rather than diminishing our humanity.
While we may not be able to effect change in Minneapolis, Georgia or New York City, we can address racialized behavior in our own communities, including our Nazareth community. This past semester the incident of blackface was another stark reminder that we have much more work to do. Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel observed that in the face of evil, silence and indifference are the greatest sins. Let us not remain silent because ours is a community dedicated to supporting one another in pursuit of justice. Nazareth is committed to taking the action necessary to create a more just, inclusive and welcoming community for all our members. Let us not remain silent but work together to confront and eradicate all forms of racism in ourselves, our community and society.
Sincerely,
Daan Braveman
President, Nazareth College
Beth Paul

Incoming President, Nazareth College
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer, | (585) 781-8186 | jlong2@naz.edu
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.