Global Campus Chancellor: There is still much work to be done

Dear Global Campus Cougs,

Yesterday, our entire nation paused to observe the ruling in the trial for the murder of George Floyd. Immediately after the guilty verdict was read, a national conversation began on what this means for our society and for racial justice and equity moving forward.

Though the verdict holds the officer accountable for his actions last year, it does not bring George Floyd back, heal his family’s pain, or end the ongoing struggle to achieve true racial equality in our communities. Many people are still hurting, and there is still much work to be done.

As a community, WSU Cougars are deeply committed to acceptance and dignity for all human beings. In keeping with these values, it is our duty to actively work toward justice and equity in our world. The responsibility does not fall solely upon those with underrepresented identities to advocate for themselves, but also upon those of us who come from more privileged backgrounds.

Instituting social change on a large scale begins at home. I encourage us all to reflect on how we can use our unique skills and abilities every day to improve our society and make it more just and equitable for all people. We can, and do, make a difference.

I am very proud of our online Coug community and the work I’ve seen you all do to promote racial justice and equity, and I look forward to seeing more in the future. I know that, together, we can help achieve a more ethically and socially just society for all.

-Dave Cillay, Global Campus Chancellor