This past week people across the nation and around the world have engaged in protests to condemn the death of George Floyd, an African American man killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota by a police officer who knelt on his neck during arrest. While many protests were peaceful, and in some cities police officers marched in solidarity with protesters, in other locations protests included fires, broken windows, and looting of stores. In Madison there have been several peaceful protests and there have also been clashes with police and property damage, especially in the State Street area near the Capitol.

We know that for international students, these events may be confusing, disturbing and compound already-stressful worries regarding the coronavirus. Please contact us or college counseling services if you wish to talk to someone more about your concerns. In order to help you better understand the issues that have sparked these protests we would like to share the information below. Various other offices at Madison College are also planning additional events and information sessions, please watch for other announcements as details on those become available.

The Center for International Education expresses our empathy for those whose businesses were damaged and condemn those who would use these protests as an excuse to steal or damage property during this already stressful time. However, we also join our colleagues around the nation in recognizing that George Floyd has become a symbol for the need for change regarding deep historical patterns of racism and inequality in our society.

Our Madison College president, Dr. Jack E. Daniels, has published an open letter to students, employees, and the public expressing a need for social engagement to address structural injustices and build a revitalized community and national effort based on integrity, fairness, inclusion and equity. His message can be viewed at:

https://www.channel3000.com/madison-college-president-shares-open-letter-denouncing-racism/

Dr. Daniels will also join Madison365 and the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County this Friday, June 5 in a daylong virtual summit to address racial justice for Black Americans. The summit will feature panel discussions on issues including criminal justice reform, education, health care and workplace equity. Event partners include Madison College, One City Schools, United Way of Dane County, Brown County United Way, Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. The summit will be live-streamed on the Madison365 Facebook page starting at 9 a.m.

We encourage you to use this moment as a time to reflect on issues of equity both in the United States and in your own home countries and in the spirit of higher education use your reflection to envision how you can contribute to making the world better through whatever contribution you may make. We also urge you to remain safe and find ways to contribute that do not put yourselves or others in danger.

As always, please keep in touch and let CIE know how we can support you at this time.

Sincerely,

Geoff Bradshaw,

Dean of International Education