CYAF Statement on Racial Injustices

17 Jun 2020     By Dr. Paul Springer, Interim CYAF Department Chair

The recent acts of violence we have witnessed with the killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor (and many others over the years) has highlighted once again the continuing inequalities and systemic oppression faced by Black people in our country. These acts of police and community brutality is a striking demonstration of the legacy of anti-Blackness that has permeated our society over centuries, and is unacceptable in any form. It also emphasizes that we as a society and as individuals have not done enough to address racism, and as such have contributed to racism.

We know that our Black students are experiencing a sense of deep personal loss, fear and anger as a result of these events. We want you to know that we stand with you and we hear you.

The Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies is a community of scholars and students who address pressing issues concerning families and children using ecological perspectives. This means that we know that creating a more equitable and just world involves work at every level – in ourselves, with our families and friends, in our schools, our communities, and with our local, state, and national government.

The challenge that we all now face, is that we must speak out against the social injustices that has plagued our society and do so in a way that leads to real positive change and reform.  It is in the speaking out, that we can begin to heal, and plant the seeds of hope and reform.

The Department of Child Youth and Family studies is moving forward with intentionality informing strategies that can develop safe spaces for our students, and opportunities for sharing, and listening. We are actively working as a unit, while seeking input from experts to guide our strategies as we move forward in measurable evidenced-based ways.