To the Occidental Community:
We are appalled by the wanton, casual killing of George Floyd by a white Minneapolis police officer. We share in the anguish and anger of all Americans who understand that this is not an isolated incident. George Floyd is the latest cruel death in a history of racial violence aimed at Black people that has stained our society for 400 years.
Oxy’s current mission, whose touchstones are excellence, equity, community and service, is the product of a campus conversation that began more than 50 years ago, and that continues today. We recognize that there is more that needs to be done to successfully uphold these ideals, particularly as they apply to Black and marginalized students.
As we come together as a community to support each other in this time of tragedy, we must continue to honestly examine not just our past, but our present to acknowledge our shortcomings and identify structural obstacles to overcome as we look to our future. In his message on Friday, Dean Flot noted that the Equity and Inclusion Group is continuing its important work this summer. (He also listed resources available to students who need support and information about how to take action in response to George Floyd’s killing.)
This summer’s leadership transition means Oxy is entering a new chapter in its history. The Oxy community will have an important opportunity to work together to address the fundamental issues that impact our campus and the broader society. We are committed to collaborating with students, faculty, staff and alumni to ensure that -- despite the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic -- we are living our mission and promoting equity and justice on our campus.
Jonathan Veitch
President
Wendy Sternberg
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
Rob Flot
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Vince Cuseo
Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission
Amos Himmelstein
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Finance, Planning and Operations
Charlie Cardillo
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Marty Sharkey
Vice President of Communications and Institutional Initiatives
James Uhrich
Vice President for Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer