An Open Letter to the College Community

June 2, 2020


Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

Monroe College stands united in mourning the senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week.

While equality, justice, and liberty for all remain our country’s ideals, the killing of George Floyd serves as a painful reminder that racism and inequity persist across the nation. Our hearts go out to Mr. Floyd’s family and to all who are harmed and threatened every day by acts of racial and social injustice.

For 87 years, Monroe College has stood for equality and opportunity, where all voices are heard and respected, and where women and men of all races have gained the knowledge and skills to pursue their professional dreams. Our diversity is our strength. It is my hope that our graduates will use what they have learned and experienced at Monroe to be forces for positive social change, especially in light of recent events.

Members of our community watched last night the unfortunate acts committed upon many businesses in our own neighborhood on Fordham Road, many of which have served our students, faculty, and staff for years. We join with our Bronx neighbors in condemning violence, and committing to a community that is safe for peaceful protests and constructive change.

As a college, we remain steadfast in our mission and values that underscore “the power of education to facilitate social mobility and transform communities.” We will continue to provide social justice programs and opportunities for open discussion, just as we did last Sunday evening.

We are here to encourage and support each other no matter what challenges lie ahead.

Please be well, and let’s take care of ourselves, our families, and our neighbors. 

MARC M. JEROME
President