Augsburg will cancel classes and suspend operations Thursday and Friday, June 4 and 5, to mourn and reflect on the murder of George Floyd.
Thursday is an important day for our community, as a memorial service for George Floyd will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at North Central University. The service will be live streamed via media outlets. Many will want to pause to mourn, reflect, and commit to the important social justice work ahead.
Some may wish to use this time away from work in community or as a quiet time to reflect and begin healing. We must create the space to mourn, to express our pain and anger, and to come together as a community to build resolve for our future work.
Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow shared this message:
We face the daunting challenges that 400 years of racism and oppression have laid before us. Augsburg will not step back from the responsibility we have to advance the cause of justice and inclusion in our society.
We know systemic racism is deeply entrenched in the fabric of our society—and that racial disparities are more pronounced in Minnesota than elsewhere. To achieve tangible and lasting change, our work together must be courageous, constant, and persistent. This work is Augsburg’s calling in the world, led by members of our community who live up to our mission.
There is much more we need to do—and will. Thanks to our students, staff, and faculty leaders, we are having frank conversations and making plans for how we will better pursue the work of addressing systemic racism at Augsburg and in the wider community, form partnerships to work to reform law enforcement in our city, and set a future path with room for all of our beloved community.
Augsburg stands in solidarity with the Black community and affirms that Black Lives Matter.
About Augsburg
Augsburg University, celebrating its 150th anniversary, offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate degrees to 3,400 students of diverse backgrounds at its campus in the vibrant center of the Twin Cities and nearby Rochester, Minnesota, location. Augsburg educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings. Learn more at Augsburg.edu.