From the Director
Dear CIRES Colleagues,
At this time of continuing incomprehensible injustice in America—with the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police, the shooting deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, and so many other wrongful acts of racial violence across the country—it is imperative that our voices be raised and raised strongly.
CIRES stands against racial discrimination and in support of communities of color. Please join us in promoting racial justice, however you can. This will look different for each of us. Some of us are marginalized, disproportionately affected by not only injustice but a deadly virus. Some of us may be feeling angry or unsure what to do. We encourage you to join us in reaching out to each other and listening. Let’s examine our own behavior, with curiosity and perhaps critique. Consider our biases. And take advantage of professional training—always keeping our sights on the goal of supporting racial justice. To that end, CIRES Diversity and Inclusion Director Dr. Susan Sullivan will be reaching out soon with opportunities; feel free to contact her with concerns and ideas.
At the end of the day, we are a community of people who share a commitment to important principles and ideals. For CIRES, that includes ensuring our environment is welcoming and inclusive for all, and one that makes everyone feel valued and appreciated. We can do more. Please check out the resources below and share other ideas with us and with your colleagues. Let’s be the best we can be as a community.
Resources:
- Chancellor Philip DiStefano’s video, Combating Racism Together
- This time, together… message from Hillary Pottery and James White, Arts & Sciences
- AGU demands… statement
- AMS special statement
- Resources from ODECE, CU Boulder’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Community Engagement
- Resources from and scheduling time with CIRES Diversity & Inclusion Director Susan Sullivan
- Counseling and support resources from CU Boulder
Thank you.
Waleed Abdalati and the CIRES leadership team
