Message from Dean Feldman on the Aftermath of George Floyd's Death
To the RSDM Community:
Dean Cecile A. Feldman
Last week I watched in horror as police brutality resulted in the tragic loss of a human life. George Floyd had a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, and friends. I can’t imagine what they are going through right now, but know that many of you are equally horrified, feel a grave sense of loss, and believe that yet another incident of ongoing racial bias has led us to where we are today.
This appalling action continues to point to the bias and social injustice which still exists in our communities, our country and the world. We are in a very volatile environment made even worse by the current economic environment created by COVID-19 closures and unemployment. Basic rights to food, housing, work, education and health care must be the foundation for society, because without this security, no one is safe. Everyone in our country as the right to basic human rights and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Over the last several days we have seen protests, riots and looting. By in large, the protests have been purposeful and peaceful. Unfortunately, in many cities protests have given rise to violence at night by others. Thankfully, protests in Newark have been peaceful, which I believe sends an even louder message. As the violence has ensued in other areas of our country, our thoughts are with our family, friends and colleagues who are in harm’s way. The injustice that pervades our society must be talked about, faced, and must come to end. Protests are important expressions of our freedom of speech but unmeasured responses by police and destruction of property distracts from the real message – a call to action for social change.
As the world, our country, and our school become more and more diverse, we must challenge ourselves and our perspectives. While we strive to be open minded and treat everyone equally and fairly, implicit bias exists. I ask that we all be self-reflective and continue to actively work toward elimination of these biases.
I have said on multiple occasions and want to reiterate, the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine family is an extremely diverse family. Core to our values is respecting all and valuing our mix of races/ethnicities, nationalities, religions and sexual orientations. Our lives are all richer because of this diversity. Let’s join together and be strong advocates for basic human rights by facing our implicit biases, getting involved in our communities, and being a loud and steady voice for social justice.
With grateful appreciation for the richness of our family,
Dean Cecile A. Feldman
