Message from President Ensign on Derek Chauvin Verdict

Old West


President Margee Ensign sent the following email to the Dickinson community regarding the Derek Chauvin verdict:

To the Dickinson community:

Today, a jury in Minnesota convicted Derek Chauvin, the police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes. Chauvin has been convicted on all counts and will be held accountable for his crime.

While this is welcome news, we know that this is just the first step, and it does not change the systemic racism that continues to disfigure our society. It doesn't change the fear Black, Brown and other marginalized people feel when they are pulled over by police or the anger and despair when confronted with bias and bigotry in their daily lives. While this verdict does bring some measure of justice, we must, all of us, commit to bringing about change.

George Floyd's death has sparked a call for social justice and equity in this country and, indeed, internationally. We must heed it. The quest for a more equitable society will not and must not end with this verdict. It is a quest, a responsibility, that each one of us must assume.

The following resources, some of which were shared earlier, may help:

Please do not hesitate to reach out to others for help. This is a deeply emotional moment, one that requires us to become part of the solution. Take part in peaceful protests and follow health and safety guidelines, support organizations working for change, educate yourself. Whatever you can do, take action.

Sincerely,

Margee M. Ensign
President

Published April 20, 2021