Say Their Names. Be The Change. Stand Proud and Stand Together.

To the MCNY Community—Students, Faculty and Staff,

I write to you today with a broken and angry heart. The brutal death of George Floyd has exposed, yet again, the systemic racism that is eroding our nation and devastating our communities. Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Aiyana Jones, Atatiana Jefferson, Trayvon Martin, Botham Jean: these and so many others have paid the ultimate price for the criminalization of black and brown skin.

The MCNY community stands unified in its Purpose: to empower our students to Be The Change that is needed to dismantle oppressive structures of racism and inequality. Each of us has a unique and important role in this struggle. We cannot stand silent, and we cannot be idle. We must recommit ourselves to standing with each other, supporting each other, and doing the work that is needed to make our mission of social justice a reality.

As your president, I will redouble my own efforts—personally, professionally, and in our communities—to work for justice, for equality, and for the sacred human dignity of each of us. This is a moment when we must listen to each other, learn from each other, and gain strength from working together towards our common Purpose.

Say Their Names. Be The Change. Stand Proud and Stand Together.

Sincerely yours,

Joanne Passaro