We in the Office of International Programs vehemently condemn the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others due to the injustice of institutional racism and police brutality. Sadly, there is a long history of enslavement, brutality, and institutional racism against people of color, especially Black and African American community members, in the United States.
We have much to challenge and learn as we work towards a better today that will guide us into an even better tomorrow. We will not sit idly by nor dismiss the pain and suffering that so many have and continue to experience every day. We see you and are here for you. We vow to do better to help society and the CSU campus to address inequities and systemic racism.
Systemic racism, xenophobia, and discrimination have cropped up in grievous ways for our international students and students of color who study abroad. Not only are these experiences painful in themselves, but they add up to an indescribable burden when a person experiences it far from home and their support networks.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or anxious about recent events, please remember we are here for you. You can always reach out to counseling services through the CSU Health Network. If you are discriminated against, please fill out a bias incident report so your voice can be heard and counted.
In solidarity,
The staff of the Office of International Programs