A Message From The CVM: June 1, 2020
As part of the Texas A&M community, the faculty, staff, and students at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) are committed to the university’s core values of Respect, Excellence, Loyalty, Leadership, Integrity, and Selfless Service. We strongly affirm our support for Texas A&M President Michael K. Young’s statement and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ (AAVMC) Principles of Inclusion.
The COVID-19 outbreak has shone a light on the uncertainty and change we are facing together, and as we navigate our “new normal,” the CVM believes that now, more than ever, it is important to apply the core values that we espouse, share what they mean to us, and consider how we reflect those values in our words and actions. Importantly, our words and actions directly impact others and the sense of community and belonging that they feel within our college.
We fully recognize the disproportionate way that COVID-19 has affected communities of color, and we also recognize that many people are experiencing fear, anxiety, and grief that have been further exacerbated by the racially motivated violence that is at the forefront right now and is part of our collective history.
As we consider the long, troubling, and perpetuated history of events that have targeted minority communities, the CVM remains steadfast in our commitment to creating a climate of inclusion and equity, embracing the diversity that makes each of us unique and valued, celebrating our differences, and supporting one another. We are committed to upholding the dignity of all people.
What can we, as individuals, do?
- Embrace antiracism.
- Be an ally.
- Engage and speak up when events exclude and discriminate against others.
- Have conversations and acknowledge the impact of current events on ourselves and many of our colleagues.
- Be curious and learn more about social justice issues.
- Be brave. Keep people safe when they feel threatened by hate speech. Do not be a silent bystander.
- When conflict arises, engage in civil, critical dialogues…in person, on-line, and on social media platforms.
- Be self-reflective about the impact of our words and actions on others.
- Know that what each of us models, creates the CVM climate and culture.
- Be kind.
