University Leaders Release a Joint Statement

Aiken, SC (06/01/2020) — University of South Carolina Aiken leaders, including the chancellor, members of the cabinet, the UofSC Aiken chief of police and Student Government Association officers, sent the following message to faculty, staff and students.

Dear Pacer Family -

We write to you today with heavy hearts, burdened with anger and frustration but also motivated by the hope of a shared commitment to unity and the belief that good people can -- and do -- step up together in times of upheaval.

Right now, our nation is facing somber and momentous challenges that are creating a defining moment in time. In addition to the ever changing conditions related to the coronavirus, we have watched as our country continues to struggle with racial injustice, hatred, brutality, and ignorance. As Pacers, we ask each of you to ask yourselves "How can I help our country and our campus move forward? How will these challenges define us? Will it tear at the fabric of our nation or will it stimulate focused action and the will to address injustice, inequity, and prejudice?"

While the answer to those questions may be personal, as a member of our university community, each and every Pacer - whether students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans or partners - has a responsibility to do the right thing. Always. In every situation. Even when it's hard. Our core values help guide us. First, treat each other with dignity and respect. That means everyone, even if they look differently than you do, believe differently than you do, have different experiences and perspectives than you do. Simply, be kind to and accepting of one another. Be reflective about our own biases, and take steps to understand one another. Secondly, as many of our students have demonstrated recently, be engaged citizens. Advocate for what you believe is right, and take appropriate action. Be a part of the changes you want to see in our nation and the world.

Right now, members of the UofSC Aiken family are hurting. Many are angry. Some are scared. Now is the time to remember that all members of a community have responsibilities to each other. Reach out to one another. Truly try to understand - not just hear but listen and understand - others' concerns, pain, and confusion.

Now, more than ever, we must stay united and Pacer strong. It is up to each of us to work together to create a safe learning and working community, where everyone - each and every one - feels they belong. That is our collective goal, and we hope you will join us in this effort as we continue to work together and try to make our campus, our community, our country, our world - and ourselves -- better. Continue our Pacer tradition: lean in and on each other.

At UofSC Aiken we must be clear in our stand that hate, inequity and injustice will not be tolerated. We stand with the African American community and with all who are victims of racism and resulting inequities. As an educational leader, the university has a special role to play in building understanding and ending bias. We must and will continue to take action.

We are Pacer Proud. Pacer Strong. And we remain Pacers together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sandra Jordan, Chancellor

Dr. Daren Timmons, Provost and Executive Vice chancellor for Academic Affairs

Mr. Ernest Pringle, Vice Chancellor for Information Technology

Mr. Cam Reagin, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration

Mr. Jim Herlihy, Director of Athletics

Ms. Mary Driscoll, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Affairs

Mr. Ahmed Samaha, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Mr. Jason Zike, Chief of Police

Mr. Sam Boyd, President of the Student Government Association

Ms. Katlyn Johnson, Vice President of the Student Government Association

Mr. Wilson Steinmeyer, Treasurer of the Student Government Association

Mr. George A. Sharpe, Secretary of the Student Government Association