To the Hampden-Sydney College Community:
The horrific killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, which closely follows the tragic killings of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, and others, has brought renewed and necessary attention to the systemic and continued racial injustice in our country. As an institution whose mission embraces the forming of good citizens, we stand in solidarity with our students and employees of color and with those peacefully protesting against racism and bigotry.
At a moment like this one, as individuals and as a society, we are reminded of the necessity and urgency of ongoing efforts and actions to end racism and bigotry in our community and our society. We must devote ourselves to making our organizations and communities safer and more inclusive. As an institution of higher education, we understand the long, historical context that has brought our nation to this critical point. And, as residents of Prince Edward County, we are witness to how institutionalized racism can have lasting, devastating impacts on a community. I want to affirm today that Hampden-Sydney College is committed to modeling life in a more ideal and just Republic.
Now, it is more important than ever that we demonstrate those virtues that we so greatly value—brotherhood, solidarity, empathy, and love. And we challenge the entire Hampden-Sydney community to exemplify the ideals this institution stands for—honor, integrity, decency, and above all, respect for one another. In the spirit of these ideals, Hampden-Sydney will continue the essential and unfinished work of confronting racism, and making this College a safer and more welcoming community for all.
Larry Stimpert