June 05, 2020

The Inter-University Council of Ohio Presidents make the following statement regarding the recent violent and brutal death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The IUC Presidents were horrified and disgusted by the brutality demonstrated by individuals within the Minneapolis Police Department that resulted in the death of George Floyd. Our hearts ache for the family of Mr. Floyd. We recognize the legitimate anger by people of all races, but particularly Black Americans who have experienced systemic hatred, racism, and bigotry for too long.

We pledge to engage our communities in serious action and redouble our efforts to end abuse, discrimination, and racial inequality. 

We support Governor DeWine’s statement that: “We have an obligation to be a positive voice in advancing change for all those who are marginalized. We have an obligation to create equity in health, education, economic opportunity for all our citizens.” 

As a group of higher education leaders, we value the role of education and dialogue to help create lasting change. We also recognize our important role in educating citizens and future leaders.

We pledge to work with Governor DeWine and leaders of Ohio, and our communities, to take action so that our legacy of bigotry and inequality no longer infect our communities and institutions.

• President Gary L. Miller
  The University of Akron
• President Rodney K. Rogers
  Bowling Green State University
• President Cynthia Jackson-Hammond
  Central State University
• President Neville G. Pinto
  University of Cincinnati
• President Harlan M. Sands
  Cleveland State University
• President Todd Diacon
  Kent State University
• President Gregory P. Crawford
  Miami University
• President John T. Langell
  Northeast Ohio Medical University
• President Michael V. Drake
  The Ohio State University
• President M. Duane Nellis
  Ohio University
• President Jeffrey A. Bauer
  Shawnee State University
• President Sharon L. Gaber
  University of Toledo
• President Susan Edwards
  Wright State University
• President James P. Tressel
  Youngstown State University
• President Bruce Johnson
  Inter-University Council of Ohio