Our work together

June 2, 2020

Dear Outreach and Engagement Community,

Over the past several months, each of us have witnessed or read about the senseless and horrifying acts that have led to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. My colleagues and I are saddened and angered by these tragic events and we know they are not limited to the recent past. We have seen this time and again in our history and throughout the past 400 years. This must end.

These acts of racial violence have led to local protests with people all over Central Ohio, across the state and nation, and around the world being moved to act. We must come together now and intentionally work towards justice for all of our community members, including ending racism, discriminatory policies, and practices that have intentionally excluded black men, women and children.

During our June 18th (and future) Outreach and Engagement Steering Committee meeting(s) we will focus on concrete actions to ensure lasting change. We believe that through listening and working with each other, we can serve as a catalyst to create change. Your thoughts and ideas are important, and if you are so inclined, please share those with me or Nicole Nieto. We care about what you have to say and how you are feeling during this time.

In solidarity,

Ryan J. Schmiesing, Ph.D.
Vice Provost, Outreach and Engagement
Office of Academic Affairs, The Ohio State University