Violence and a resolve to make our communities better

August 5, 2020

Dear Pennsylvania Institute of Technology community,

It was early Tuesday morning on May 26^th that I received a copy of the video of George Floyd’s horrible death from my youngest son. Like all of you, I was horrified watching the violence. My son knew I would be outraged and saddened – and he was right.

As individuals joined in our shared journey of improving society through educational growth, we likewise join in resisting and rejecting all forms of racism, intolerance, and bigotry in America. This is a time for us to commit once and for all to the creation of a more just and equitable community and country.

We are fortunate to have experienced at P.I.T. the power of education to bring us together within the miracle of our diversity. I realize that many members of our P.I.T. community live, work, and have other family members living in impacted communities.   How do we bring that experience and those virtues to a country in need of healing, reform, and reconciliation?

We mourn the death of George Floyd and pledge to work passionately for a culture of equality and justice in our community.

I want you to know, both personally and on behalf of our college, that we will do everything possible to address this scourge of racism. Peace be with you.

Sincerely,

Will