LSU Interim President Issues Statement in Wake of Chauvin Verdict

This is copied and pasted from the LSU Facebook page.


Dear LSU Community:

The death of George Floyd forced us to face heart-wrenching questions of institutional racism, inequity, and methods of policing that are incompatible with LSU’s vision for a safe and equitable community. The verdicts of guilty to charges of second degree murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter today in the trial of Derek Chauvin do not bring closure to these trials we face as a nation; they only bring a measure of accountability for Mr. Chauvin’s actions.

While there remains far to go, I am heartened by what I have witnessed among our LSU community over the past year. Together, we have not only raised difficult questions, but rolled up our sleeves and done the hard work of building bridges together. We engineered a comprehensive Roadmap to Diversity that lays out in plain language a direct path toward a more inclusive LSU. We established the state’s first African and African American Studies degree program and are working toward hiring new and retaining existing faculty from underrepresented groups. But perhaps most importantly, we opened the door to having honest and open conversations with one another. And that is where real understanding occurs: when we come together as a community to learn from one another.

For those who need an outlet for their emotions today, I encourage you to speak to a friend, loved one, or mental health advocate to express your feelings in a healthy and healing way. And remember, your LSU family stands with you, today and every day.

Tom Galligan
LSU Interim President and Professor of Law