Message about the Derek Chauvin trial verdict

Dear HNU students, staff, faculty, alumni, and other community members,

This afternoon’s long-anticipated verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the killing of George Floyd is a historic one. Today, a police officer was found guilty of murder within a justice system that rarely punishes members of law enforcement, let alone those who have committed acts of violence toward communities of color.

I know this is an emotionally charged moment for members of our community and that we are all experiencing it in our own ways. I encourage you to take the time and space you need to process this news.

I hope the outcome of this trial sparks conversations about police accountability that eventually lead to meaningful reform. But this is just one trial. We have so much work to do to dismantle structural racism and we cannot stop until everyone is safe and valued equally.

Today, we reaffirm our goal of becoming an actively anti-racist campus. At our anti-racism forum this Thursday, we will spend time sharing updates and discussing the work we are doing as an institution toward this goal.

With my sincere hope and commitment to transformative change.

Mike Groener, President