Anti-Racism Efforts

The following is a curated list of news stories and communications from university leaders related to St. Thomas’ ongoing work to combat racism. These stories appear in chronological order, from newest to oldest.

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An aerial view of the lower quad. (Photo by Mike Ekern '02)

Academic Convocation: Gratitude and Hope for 2020-21

Brant Skogrand '04 MBC
Academic News, Admissions, Anti-Racism Efforts, College of Arts and Sciences, COVID-19 Response, Dougherty Family College, Events, Morrison Family College of Health, News, Opus College of Business, Our Community, President's Office, School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Law, St. Thomas Responds, The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity, Top News
Nearly 600 St. Thomas community members gathered virtually over Zoom for the 2020-21 academic convocation, in which two important topics – the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice – were frequently addressed.
George Floyd Art on University Avenue

St. Thomas Documents George Floyd and Anti-Racist Street Art from Across the Globe

Amy Carlson Gustafson
Academic News, Anti-Racism Efforts, Art History, College of Arts and Sciences, Homepage, News, Our Community, Research, Top News
The Urban Art Mapping Research Project operates a George Floyd and Anti-Racist Street Art database, which documents examples of street art from around the world that have emerged since Floyd’s killing as part of an ongoing movement demanding social justice and equality.

Dr. Yohuru Williams to Become the Founding Director of the New Racial Justice Initiative at St. Thomas

President Julie Sullivan and Provost Richard Plumb
Academic News, Anti-Racism Efforts, College of Arts and Sciences, Faculty, History, News, Our Community, President's Office, School of Law, School of Law News Feed, Top News
Today, we announce a new effort aimed at driving meaningful change in our community: the formation of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas.

The Hard Work Ahead

President Julie Sullivan
Anti-Racism Efforts, News, Our Community, President's Office, Top News
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Our community and our nation are experiencing immense distress and pain over all that surrounds the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis policemen. George Floyd – one more black man in generations of black people who have been victims of systemic and relentless racism. And while this time it is under our noses in the Twin Cities, it’s rampant and persistent across our nation, and yet again we resoundingly say, “Enough is enough!” How many times can we say this? Have we lost our credibility? Where is our humanity?
The lower quad is seen against a purple and blue sky at sunset September 29, 2016. O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library is at left and the Harpole fountain is in the foreground.

Stay Home, Be Safe and Stand Together in Honoring the Memory of George Floyd

President Julie Sullivan
Anti-Racism Efforts, Front Page, News, Notices, Our Community, President's Office
George Floyd – a father and family member, a colleague and friend to many – should be alive today. We must encourage and protect the rights of all to grieve, unite in peaceful protests and publicly demand justice for his tragic death. However, we also must condemn damaging personal property, arson and looting in our commercial districts and neighborhoods.

Update on George Floyd Case Response and Curfew Information

President Julie Sullivan
Anti-Racism Efforts, Front Page, News, Notices, Our Community, President's Office
As we head into the weekend, we want each of you to know that our community is here for you as we collectively reel from and grieve the tragic death of George Floyd. Violence against black communities lives in our history, and racial injustices perpetuate today. This behavior is unacceptable and leaves us concerned for the emotional and physical well-being of our students, staff and faculty.

Stop the Spread of Racism: The Coronavirus Stigma

Kha Yang, Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
Anti-Racism Efforts, COVID-19 Response, For Faculty/Staff, For Students, Front Page, News, Notices, Our Community, St. Thomas Responds
Amid uncertainty and fear are times when characters are tested. These last several weeks have made many fearful, anxious and angry, among a slew of other emotions. No matter how you might feel during this time, spreading racism is not the answer.

Celebrating Past, Looking to Future Themes of 2020 State of the University Address

Jordan Osterman '11
Academic News, Alumni, Anti-Racism Efforts, Common Good, Current Students, Faculty, New Athletics Conference, News, Our Community, President's Office, Staff, Strategic Planning, Tommie Traditions, Top News
News of a $20 million scholarship gift, and the announcement that St. Thomas will adopt a test-optional policy both drew applause at the O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium Thursday as President Julie Sullivan delivered the 2020 State of the University address.