From FIDM's President: Mourning George Floyd and Taking Action

Dear FIDM Community, 

We hope you and your families are safe. It is with sadness and hope that we reach out to you today. We are all seeking answers for the grave injustices and escalation of tensions during an already troubled time. We are heartbroken by the recent killing of George Floyd, and before him, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others whose deaths are less well publicized. We cannot stand silent while such violence against our fellow citizens continues and are united in seeking a way forward.

At FIDM, we believe that equity and justice are integral to education. We recognize that words are not enough; action is what brings about true change. It is essential that our policies and actions value the lives, safety, and dignity of everyone in our community. As an institution whose community is strengthened by diversity, we pledge to focus on efforts that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. 

We will start by analyzing our educational programs and our community engagement for ways we can make a difference. On social media, we will ensure that our posts speak to the diversity of the work and voices of our talented students, faculty, and alumni. 

We will be adding additional workshops and student activities focused on diversity, creating new ways to support our community, and engaging in solution-oriented dialogue. We will ensure access to learning materials in our library where students can educate themselves on these issues. 

We encourage students who may be experiencing trauma or anxiety to contact our Personal Counselors who are available and want to help. You can find additional information on the student portal. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.

I will conclude by stating unequivocally that Black lives DO matter. We must each be part of the solution here at FIDM and in the world beyond. 

Together, let’s help create the world we want to live in. 

Toni Hohberg
FIDM President