Office of the Provost

Dear UConn Community,

We are at a pivotal moment nearly one year after George Floyd’s death in police custody, as we await a verdict in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in Floyd’s death. While Floyd’s death helped bring broader attention and concern to how police encounters can turn dangerous and deadly for adults and children of color, we have seen similar patterns continue to play out, with the deaths of Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo as the most recent examples.

These events affect members of our community in varied and personal ways. The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of the Provost are co-hosting two University Forums over the next week to process these events and to discuss steps each of us can take to support one another and our communities at large.

Details for each event are included here, with further information available on the Provost’s Office website.

University Forums on Race, Policing and Justice: The Chauvin Trial

Friday, April 23

10 to 11:30 a.m.

Via WebEx

Wednesday, April 28

4 to 5:30 p.m.

Via WebEx

All faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend. In the spirit of solidarity, we hope to see broad representation from our entire community.

Sincerely,

Carl Lejuez
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Frank Tuitt
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Michael Bradford
Vice Provost for Faculty, Staff, and Student Development