Message from the Office of the President: Chauvin Trial and Jury Deliberations

Dear Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff,

This week the jury in the Chauvin trial will begin their deliberations. The impacts of this verdict will be far-reaching. We are focused on both campus safety and the way in which the verdict will affect us as a community. With regard to safety, the University is actively monitoring the situation in the Twin Cities and is closely coordinating with public agencies. We are committed to keeping you fully informed to ensure the safety of our University community. You will receive a text alert via SAFE-U when we need to reach you with timely updates.

You will also likely continue to see a heightened law enforcement presence around the campus, which may include Minnesota National Guard troops near or driving through campus. To date, the University has not requested their presence nor does the University assign their locations. If events escalate, we will communicate with you.

With regard to our community, we recognize that trauma associated with pervasive and repeated acts of racism will persist until the systems that allow for it change. With the verdict imminent, we want to highlight events and resources that create opportunities for learning and change.

Teach-In and Other Resources

Last summer, UMN Interdisciplinary Collaborative Workshop scholars, activists, and students introduced a teach-in series to discuss public policy and racial justice in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death. Today, Monday, April 19, we are initiating another series to take a deep look at the Chauvin trial—from jury selection to trial arguments and commentary—to help our University community better understand how race, gender, policing, and police violence are adjudicated. Thank you to our panelists for sharing their time and expertise. I hope you will register for this important conversation.

Additionally there are resources available on the trial and, if you are aware of other University of Minnesota events or resources, please use this form to submit them and we will make our community aware.

Senior Advisor to the President for Native American Affairs

Last week, we announced Karen Diver, Director of Business Development for Native American Initiatives at the University of Arizona, as a finalist in our search for the University's inaugural Senior Advisor to the President for Native American Affairs. Ms. Diver addressed her vision for the University of Minnesota and answered questions from our community in a public presentation last week. Please take a moment to provide your feedback on her candidacy, as your voice is critically important to the role and our work as an institution.

Lastly, on this day in 1945, “Hail Minnesota” became our state song (in addition to already serving as our University song). Written by two University of Minnesota students, the song was inspired by the general state of world affairs and was first played publicly at “Class Day” on May 28, 1904. As we contemplate the state of our affairs today, and the challenging times so many of us are experiencing, I encourage you to avail yourself of the resources provided for all of us and to continue to support each other.

Please continue to stay healthy, safe, and well.

With warmest regards,
Joan Gabel