Statement from the Department of Psychology

We, the faculty of the University of North Florida Department of Psychology, found the actions of students who posted a racist video mocking students at the Black Lives Matter rally on campus deeply disturbing. We want to communicate directly and clearly to students, staff, and faculty of color and specifically African American and Black students, staff, and faculty that we support you.

We are committed to the safety and well being of students on campus. We will listen to your needs to improve our commitment as a university to provide “an inspiring setting for our diverse community” and will hold our faculty, staff, and students accountable to this mission. We hear your concerns for greater attention to injustices in our society in our curricula. We believe psychology can help us to better understand why racism persists in our society and how it can be addressed to make communities safer. We are committed to sharing our knowledge with our students and colleagues. We will advocate for you and stand alongside you in solidarity.