Our thoughts at this moment are with the family and friends of George Floyd, along with all those who have suffered as a consequence of his tragic murder. The criminal trial and now conviction of Derek Chauvin bring a measure of justice to a death that prompted renewed calls for a reckoning with racial injustice that is long overdue.
Phi Beta Kappa believes that liberal arts and sciences should empower us to face structures that perpetuate racism, to voice demands for change, and to hold democracy to the highest standards. The conclusion of this trial should not end this process of reckoning. We must all remain committed to the goal of a more just and inclusive society.