Posted: June 4, 2020

In light of the recent disturbing events, the Department of Entomology at Penn State is compelled to voice its solidarity and support of the Black community.

The tragic acts of violence experienced by George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and many others reveal a disturbing part of a much larger and lingering issue of systemic racism that must be addressed. These events of excessive force and disproportionate deaths of people of color (and to those demonstrating support) across the country are unacceptable, disheartening, and upsetting to our Department and the University community as a whole. Inequality continues to plague our colleagues, students, family, and friends across this nation and we strive to stand up against it, together.

Our Department firmly aims to cultivate a community of people who have diverse views, values, and perspectives and who better represents the composition of our society with regards to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, political affiliation, and socio-economic backgrounds. Our community of entomologists is greatly enriched by this diversity!

Together we strongly condemn social and structural injustice and are committed to fostering an environment that challenges such structures, in a persistent effort to continue moving our community and society in a direction towards equity for all.

In the midst of the pandemic, in the midst of a plague of injustice, please stay safe, stay together.

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