Worcester colleges call for systematic changes in wake of George Floyd killing

Photo | Grant Welker Clark University

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As protests continue across America over the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis — including a protest in Worcester on Monday night — the presidents of six Worcester colleges expressed frustration over racial injustice and sympathy for Floyd and protestors while calling for a systematic change in how the country deals with race relations.

Among those to issue statements were Quinsigamond Community College, Assumption College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Worcester State University and UMass Medical School.

Dr. Luis G. Pedraja, president of Quinsigamond Community College

QCC President LuisPedraja and QCC Police Chief Kevin Ritacco released joint statements lamenting the national unrest and drawing parallels between racist violence against people of color and the way that the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately impacted minority populations.

“I’ve struggled for days to find words that can express the unbearable sorrow, anger, and frustration that I feel in every fiber of my being; my soul aches,” Pedraja said. “Maybe that is for the best. Words are cheap when lives are at stake; they fall on deaf and uncaring ears.”

In his message, Pedraja suggested the actions of one police officer shouldn’t discredit the valor and dedication of the larger police force, but said slow responses to those actions are alarming. He argued the onus is on educational institutions to act as conduits for understanding and progress.

“Throughout history, colleges and universities often led the way, sowing the seeds of knowledge and freedom, reinventing our world, and serving as a catalyst for change,” Pedraja said. “I believe in the power of education to effect change. Through education we can lift the veil of lies, ignorance, and fear that has descended upon us.”

The colleges who did speak out were largely quick to condemn racism in all its forms, as well as call for systemic change.

Photo | Grant Welker

Assumption College President Francesco Cesareo

"During a troubling time in which we should be coming together to support one another, these incidents force us to look inward amid a country in which racism is pervasive," said Assumption President Francesco Cesareo, in a statement. "How can a nation that is founded upon the principle that all people are created equal continue to bear witness to such horrific injustices?"

Others, like Clark, which called on its community to stand against racism and injustice, affirmed its commitment to assessing inequalities within their own walls.

Photo | Courtesy of Clark University

David Fithian, president of Clark University

"At Clark, we have always believed that it is appropriate, as a first step, to examine critically our own actions, and to do so in a transparent and responsive manner," said president David Angel and President-elect David Fithian, in a joint statement. "We are committed to identifying and implementing ways to improve, and we will do so here as well."

A joint message from UMass Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins and UMass Memorial Health Care President and CEO Eric Dickson reflected on the haunting recordings of Floyd's death, which circulated in the days after his murder.

Michael F. Collins, MD, chancellor of UMass Medical School and senior vice president for health sciences at the University of Massachusetts

"Seven minutes," they wrote. "That is how long George Floyd suffered, pleading for help, before his eventual death at the hands of Minneapolis police. Those seven minutes that have been captured on video and shown around the world illustrate not only a single human tragedy, but also highlight the racial divide in America."

The pair lamented the primarily peaceful protests have intermittently turned violent as police clash with demonstrators.

Laurie Leshin, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Others were more upfront about their anger in the wake of Floyd's murder, like WPI President Laurie Leshin.

"The protests of the past few days, ignited by the killing of George Floyd, but truly fueled by the continued targeting, demonization, and abuse of black people across our country, highlight legitimate anger, which I share," Leshin wrote. "The uprising we’re now seeing points to the significant work we still have to do as a society to confront and eliminate racism. I stand with those who are outraged at the senseless loss of black lives."

Barry Maloney, president of Worcester State University

Although varied, the college leadership that did release statements were unified in both condemning Floyd's murder and sympathizing with those who have taken to the streets.

"The actions are painful reminders that racism, in all its forms, is still our nation’s unresolved challenge," said Barry Maloney, president of Worcester State University.