We Stand in Solidarity Against Racism and Injustice

Dear MET Community,

I write to you today in a time of trial, sadness, shame, and anger. A time that needs the intelligence of our hearts and the strength of our will to stand up, go forward, and persevere in asserting our common humanity.

There cannot be any ambiguity in condemning a killing by those who have sworn to protect us. We cannot denounce a riot without acknowledging the despair of those who have been erased from the narrative of a prosperous nation.

These are the stark facts today. And remaining willfully blind or silent is not an option. We must take a stand and find our voice—as individuals shaped by different cultures and experiences and as a community that values truth, learning, and justice for all. For those of us who, in the words of Ta-Nehisi Coates, “believe ourselves white,” life’s challenges are substantial enough. But for centuries, people of color have had to navigate the challenges of life while also enduring blatant injustice, denied opportunities, pernicious bias, and casual dismissal.

The question is simple: How can we, through our work and conduct, overcome inaction and deafness to uncomfortable truths? Boston University has a long and proud tradition of embracing diversity and standing for social justice. Metropolitan College was created to extend these values and the intellectual achievements of BU to the broader community. We cannot—and will not—allow the germs of racism, hatred, and violence to infect our world. It falls on us to listen to and learn from each other, to help each other realize our dreams for a better life, and to affirm, steadfastly, that “our” means all nations, all creeds, all genders, and all human beings.

This is important work we can never give up. I know that many of you are looking for ways to share your views, to reflect and listen to others, or simply to be together and feel part of the community. I would like to draw your attention BU resources such as BU Today and the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, as well as to an extensive list of events, lectures, and panels that has been compiled by BU’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion.

I have great faith in our community, and in our compassion, as we move forward in solidarity. We have work to do, and we have the tools to do it within our communities, our organizations, our friend groups, and our families. Meanwhile, I point you to the words of BU Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore in BU Today. We must keep this conversation alive. Please take care of each other, and continue to stay safe.

Sincerely,

Tanya Zlateva
Dean, Metropolitan College