Pondering Over Difficult Moments
In the aftermath of the recent tragedies involving George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, the country finds itself in a challenging time. The University, city, and nation are grappling with deep wounds of racism that have plagued society for far too long.
Eileen L. Strempel, the Inaugural Dean of the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, has offered resources as helpful tools for understanding and healing. She calls for finding comfort together in shared humanity and the hope for justice.
Strempel urges self-care during these distressing and overwhelming days, particularly for those who identify as people of colour. Resources such as "Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling with this Very Painful Week" and "Self-Care for People of Color after Psychological Trauma" have been shared.
Equity, respect, and social justice are central to the well-being of the school, communities, and the world. Strempel believes that the school must take responsibility to educate themselves and others about the structures, issues, and assumptions that perpetuate racism.
The school must actively confront hatred and bigotry in society. This includes embracing the labor of scholars and musicians who engage in important work concerning the problems of racism and societal disparities. The school must listen and learn from those who live with the pain and fear of racism every day.
Strempel acknowledges the losses and suffering from hatred, prejudice, and racism. She believes that inaction and silence convey a grave indifference to the immense suffering around them. Resources such as "Resources for Engaging in Anti-Racism at work" and "Resources for Affirming Black Lives Without Inducing Trauma" have been provided.
True peace, according to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is not merely the absence of tension, but the presence of justice. Strempel encourages everyone to begin to listen with an open heart and maintain hope for deeper understanding, respect, and meaningful reform.
For those seeking additional resources as outlined by Dean Strempel, it may be worthwhile to consult directly the School of Music or university publications where she is affiliated, as the search results here do not provide those details. Commonly recommended resources in higher education often include frameworks and toolkits from organizations such as the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) on inclusive excellence, anti-racism training programs, partnerships with cultural organizations, and curated reading or multimedia resources on systemic racism and equity in education. These resources support faculty development, curriculum diversification, student engagement, and institutional accountability.
Education and self-development are essential in the fight against racism and societal disparities. Strempel proposes that the school should not only educate themselves about the structures and issues that perpetuate racism, but also actively seek out resources, such as the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) frameworks and toolkits, to foster inclusive excellence, engage in anti-racism training programs, and promote curated reading or multimedia resources on systemic racism and equity in education. This helps facilitate faculty development, curriculum diversification, student engagement, and institutional accountability.
