Statement on the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

Dear GSE Community,

By now, undoubtedly, you have all heard the verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial. Rendering a guilty verdict on all three counts might lead many of us to echo the refrain, “justice has been served.” And while we can welcome this verdict, it seems an overstatement to say that justice has been served. For a truly just society, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, and so many others would still be alive today. Recognizing this fact does not minimize the significance of this decision, nor the long, long history of injustice befalling too many people of color in the United States.

The court held Derek Chauvin accountable, and this is indeed significant. However, it is a small victory in a much bigger quest for justice. Now we must all redouble our commitment and efforts to enact justice at every level. In a just and equitable society, schools serve all students equally, everyone has access to quality health care, and we are all engaged and vigilant. Moving forward in our GSE community, we will continue our work to uproot racism, center abolition, and transform our work in our classrooms through our research and our engagement with our broader communities.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Rosenblith, PhD
Dean and Professor

Raechele Pope, EdD
Associate Dean for Faculty and Student Affairs, Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Professor