I am conscious that for many in the Marshall community the death of George Floyd has been at the forefront of their thinking in recent days as they experience understandable feelings of anger and frustration, both in respect of the unwarranted loss of an individual life – a life which mattered – but also for the wider injustice which it symbolises, and as they seek ways to give expression to these feelings.
Like you, members of the Marshall Commission were shocked and horrified by the video of Floyd’s death. They recognise that the circumstances of his death have given rise to many legitimate concerns among our Scholars and that the objective of achieving full racial justice in our societies remains incomplete. The Commission expresses its solidarity with all those in our community wanting to build a more just society and will seek to play its part in that essential endeavour.
The Commission is committed to building on and improving our work to support a diverse community of Scholars. As you may be aware, we are already planning to hold a virtual meeting for our Scholars to consider the issues surrounding Floyd’s death, and the Commission is receptive to considering any matters which may arise, including for the Programme itself.