Message from Stanford CLAS Director on police brutality and systemic oppression

Dear Stanford CLAS Community,

I write at a time of deep hurt and sorrow among the Black community. Latin America is no stranger to systemic oppression and the brutality of violent and unaccountable state power embodied in the police. The indifference an opportunism of leaders who betray all that is decent and good.  The extreme divide between rich and poor, of living societies where privilege or subjection are determined by the color of our skin.

While the institutional and political responses each society gives to injustice, exclusion, and inequality may be different in each country, I strongly believe it is our responsibility as scholars, learners, and citizens to participate actively, with the skills and capacities we may have, in the processes of change.

Please remember that our community in Bolivar House is here to support you.  Do reach out if we can be of help in these difficult times. We also want to remind you of the resources available to you, some of which you may find in the following webpage:

https://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/news/actions-and-resources-response-police-brutality

My heart goes to the Black community and to all of you, hoping you will stay safe, healthy – and engaged.

Alberto Díaz-Cayeros

Senior Fellow, Center on Democracy, Development and Rule of Law
Director, Center for Latin American Studies
Stanford University