ROSEBURG, Oregon – The following is a statement from UCC President Debra Thatcher:
Our nation is in a state of crisis that extends beyond the current global pandemic. The recent tragic events in this country – especially the brutal deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery – have stunned, enraged, and profoundly grieved us. These unacceptable acts have awakened us to the persistently inequitable, unjust, and horrific treatment of people of color, especially those who are Black.
As we have watched people march all over the country in a mass showing of solidarity, we have become keenly aware of the urgency to be more strident in our own efforts to promote justice for all. We embrace our responsibility to provide an educational and work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion for all our students and employees. We are committed to doing the hard work required to change policies, practices, teaching, and campus interactions to counter structural racism and foster opportunities for all to thrive.
This process of deliberate change has been underway for the past two years. We have continuously worked together to ensure that our educational endeavors provide our students and employees with the tools and awareness they need to build a better world that promotes respect and safety for all people.
As we move forward, we believe that education, dialogue, and self-reflection are foundational to positive change. We are asking everyone to join in our efforts. Start a conversation today that helps generate ideas and actions that will move us forward in solidarity and change our world for the better.
We must seize this moment in time and be unwavering in our commitment to create a world where all people truly have the unalienable rights posited in the Declaration of Independence – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
About Umpqua Community College
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities.