The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many more have made it clear, once again, that there is rampant injustice against Black people in this country. We acknowledge that this injustice extends to our community, considering the long history of systemic and institutionalized racism at Rice and even Wiess (racial profiling, lack of representation in Cabinet, etc), and we are dedicated to taking an active role in combating it.
We will work towards making Wiess more inclusive and accepting. When their voices aren’t heard, it is our responsibility to stand with our Black peers, faculty, and staff and amplify their voices. We cannot only join them when it is convenient or when the media tells us it’s time to do so. Non-Black members of the Wiess community should constantly advocate for a more equitable community, not just now, but throughout the future. We challenge you to recognize your responsibility in combating anti-Blackness, using not only your words, but also your resources, and by encouraging others to do the same.
We have linked the above resources about donating and signing petitions, protesting, and educating yourself on being a better ally, as well as the demands of many Black students for bettering the Black experience on campus.
Together, we will make our community safer and more inclusive every day as we stand in solidarity with our Black community and support the efforts of Rice for Black Life on our campus.
To get further involved, contact rice4blacklife@gmail.com.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Diversity Facilitators and Diversity Council with any questions or concerns.
Diversity Facilitators
Jiya Ghei
(832) 628-7330
jiya@rice.edu
Alexis McAlister
(713) 591-2891
ab2@rice.edu
Diversity Council
Rithika Proddutoor
(972) 439-4703
rrp9@rice.edu
Zubaidat Agboola
(832) 276-3627
za7@rice.edu
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