We are dealing with two viruses: the Covid-19 pandemic and systemic racism.
Racism affects all segments of our society, young or old or black or white, and every religious denomination. We see national and global outrage over America’s plague of widespread racist police brutality. Previous attempts to defeat America’s epidemic of racism have never succeeded completely. In 1968 the Kerner Report on Civil Disorders was released concluding that America “is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal,” with unequal policing and justice.
Hunter alumni and students, among others, have a right to be outraged and protest to publicize their horror, to address inequality and the resulting injustices in our criminal justice system, in our educational system, in our economic opportunities and in the quality of our health care. But we need the support of law enforcers who should respect and protect us, and we must reciprocate and trust them.
The non-white population carries the highest percentage of deaths from the pandemic. Our country has lost over 100,000 lives, most of the deaths occurring in black and brown communities. We must take action now and adhere to the recommendations necessitated by the pandemic: social distancing, the wearing of facial masks and frequent cleansing.
We can and must overcome both these viruses. Our history confirms our strength and ability to work together. We will succeed!
Submitted to the Board of Directors by the Wistarians Chapter.
Unanimously endorsed by the Board of Directors, June 10, 2020.
