In response to the recent brutal murder of George Floyd by the police, the University of Maryland stated the following: 

"We are deeply concerned about insufficient police accountability across the country, systemic racism, and the social, economic, and health inequities that have led to protests born of despair, anger, and hope. UMD supports the many peaceful demonstrations for justice nationwide: go.umd.edu/5iD. We acknowledge that we have our own painful history at UMD, which includes the tragic murder of Lt. Richard Collins III. UMD must be even more committed to creating a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment, and follow-up with actions that will help shape a more just and equitable campus community and society." 

Thus, we call on UMD to uphold their commitment to "follow-up with actions that will help shape a more just and equitable campus community and society" by:

(1) increasing funding for the African American Studies Department at UMD, and

(2) requiring all undergraduate students to take AASP 100 and/or AASP 101 as part of the core curriculum.

These actions (which should only be two of many actions taken by UMD) are an integral part of showing support for the Black community at UMD, educating students of all races and backgrounds on the structural racism embedded within U.S. society, and shaping a more just and equitable campus community and society.

If you would like to support the African American Studies Department at UMD right now, consider donating here: https://bsos.umd.edu/alumni-giving/give-african-american-studies