The recent brutal Killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by law enforcement officers has reminded us, yet again, of the continued systemic violence perpetrated against African Americans. As Near Eastern Studies faculty, students, and staff, we must expand our efforts to fearlessly examine these systemic issues of racial injustice and inequality that are entrenched in society.
Words alone, however, are meaningless unless followed by a humble and consistent awareness that racism, bias, and racial profiling is pervasive, and it painfully effects members of our community. Whenever possible, not only do we need to take account of these issues in our own research, teaching, and public outreach but also interrogate our daily lives. We have to be empathetic and perceptively mindful of the fears and anxieties of those who are threatened in our midst. In these difficult times, we need to continue to open our doors and our hearts to all within our diverse and broad community. We need to constantly look for the ways we can each affect change to make our world a safer and more humane place.
Ziad Fahmy
Chair of Near Eastern Studies
