In order to support an inclusive campus environment, it important that we all work to push for a more fair and equal society overall. Our lives on campus are shaped as we navigate the world as a whole, and the experience is unfortunately changed by factors we are born into and cannot help such as our race, nationality, immigration status, gender identity, income, sexuality, and ability. Recent events, especially the murder of George Floyd, has provided momentum for movements that aim to change the structural racism that has historically and contemporarily remained embedded in the United States.

In order to do so, it is important to first educate yourself about systematic racism in the United States, especially right now with regard to discrimination and lack of true rule of law in the justice system. Many other issue areas from healthcare to gun control to education to LGTQIA+ rights to economic inequality and more play an intersectional role and are also important to learn about through the lens of racism. Here are a few links, with some that lead to many more, that are helpful to look at:

• Vox: What it means to be anti-racist
• Google Doc of anti-racism resources 
• Vox: How to reform American police, according to experts
• CDC: Effects of COVID-19 on the health of racial and ethnic minority groups
• Research, journalism, and commentary related to the Stanford Open Policing Project
• Nature: A large-scale analysis of racial disparities in police
• Urban Institute collection of studies on structural racism in America (full of useful studies) 
• Police Use of Force Project: How police use of force policies can help to end police violence
• Campaign Zero: Summary of policies that can help end police violence in America
• FiveThirtyEight: De-escalation Keeps Protesters And Police Safer. Departments Respond With Force Anyway.
• The Atlantic: Racism won’t be solved by yet another blue-ribbon report
• The Atlantic: Now I understand why my parents were so strict

To learn how to check out how to take meaningful action, I have found the following resources helpful:

• Google Doc: Resources for accountability and action for black lives  
• Carrd website about ways you can help right now 
• Google spreadsheet: National resource list #GeorgeFloyd+
• #8CantWait: A project by Campaign Zero
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• Also, make sure to vote in November for candidates who support racial justice and equality! 

Taking action right now during this turbulent time is important. No matter the color of our skin or income, there are so many things we can do to participate in anti-racism. By all of us taking whatever actions we can, real change can happen. In the past couple of days, protests have managed to lead to charges on all four former officers who were involved in the murder to George Floyd and San Diego banning the use of carotid restraint by police, among other local changes.

Make sure to add your voice in the fight for equity in America.