Open Letter from the Staff Council Executive Committee

Dear Sonoma State Community,

As we continue to process the outrage and sadness, we deeply grieve in response to the brutal murder of George Floyd. The SSU Staff Council Executive Committee would like to take a moment to reaffirm that we stand in unity and solidarity with the entire black community condemning the acts of hatred, violence, and injustice happening in this country. As stated in the Staff Council constitution, we uphold "SSU's core values, including inclusiveness and embracing diversity of people and beliefs." We must stand together as a public institution of higher education against inequality and oppression. As members of a campus community we have a responsibility to keep challenging ourselves to speak up and fight against injustice and systemic racism. We are heartened by the response from Sonoma State and the CSU and we join in the commitment to listen, learn, speak out, and work together to make meaningful and positive change. Only by standing in unity through love, compassion, and understanding can we begin to take the necessary steps to build a just global society equal for all.

In solidarity,

Staff Council Executive Committee

Katie Musick, President
Kshatriya Colet, Vice President
Arcelia Sandoval, Treasurer
Ashley Klein, Custodian of Records
Loriann Negri, Secretary