We Can Do Better.

Message from Dr. Jennifer van de Ligt, IFSL Program Director, University of Minnesota

June 4, 2020

It is with a heavy heart that I express on behalf of the IFSL program our outrage surrounding the death of George Floyd and sadness for the violence that has transpired as a result. It is clear that the social inequalities and discrepancies in our society continue to grow and have hit a breaking point.  It is also clear that we can do better.

It is through the lens of what is happening today - including the global pandemic we’re living through, and the challenges each of us are facing in both our personal and professional lives - that we can and should hit ‘pause’ and ask what we can do to make a difference?

What can we do each and every day to commit to kindness and justice to drive the change that is needed?  I know together we can make a difference and chart a better path for a brighter, more equity-driven, and sustainable future. I know we can do better.

A few of the University of Minnesota's responses and messages on the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd:

- From the University of Minnesota President: Important first steps; We hear you. We see you.

- Message from Dr. Jakub Tolar, Campus Public Health Officer