President Lynn Babington’s Statement Regarding Unrest Across the Nation
To the Chaminade community:
We mourn the tragic death of George Floyd and join those around the nation, and the globe, in calling for an end to the institutional racism that has plagued our nation for far too long.
The pain and anguish of protesters gathering peacefully in US cities is palpable and justified.
It is also familiar. And in their chants we hear not only George Floyd’s name but the names of countless other African-Americans and people of color who have been killed.
Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. This must end.
Silence is not the answer to racism, to bigotry or to violence. It never has been. Now is the time for a dialogue, for action—and for change.
Now is the time to speak the names of those we’ve lost so they will not have died in vain.
As a Marianist educational institution, we are proud to stand for social justice. It is written into our mission.
And we believe our work to end racism begins at home. Chaminade University has built a safe and inclusive campus community, condemning discrimination. Over the years, we have sought to examine and amend our policies and ensure that all voices are at the table.
There is always more to do, however, and this moment in our nation’s history should give all of us pause. We must ask ourselves: how will we meet this crisis and seek to right the wrongs that were decades in the making?
How will we be the change?
It is everyone’s kuleana to root out racism wherever it is found. To be intentional, active, urgent and unified in addressing the systemic inequities and injustices that we face as a nation.
The images on the news and across social media should also fuel our resolve: the time for real change is here. This is too important to put off any longer.
We can begin on a different path forward by condemning as a nation and as citizens these violent acts and offering to support one another in building a new future together.
Many of you are struggling right now with the strongest emotions: you are outraged, you are grieving, you are afraid. These feelings are both incredibly difficult and absolutely understandable.
Know that your campus community is here for you at this time and always.
We are here to listen, to learn and to lean into the hard work of racial reconciliation together. As one ‘ohana, we will be part of the solution.
Sincerely,
Lynn Babington, Ph.D.
President, Chaminade University
