A statement from President Michael C. Maxey

I think of our Roanoke College community on a daily basis. My thoughts usually are fixed on how we live and work together toward our common mission. 

In recent months, our community life and mission have been disrupted by COVID-19. It robbed us of our ability to learn from one another and to live together. On a national level, the pandemic caused loss of life and personal pain and grief for thousands. It also resulted in fear as it relates to moving freely and confidently throughout communities. In much the same way, the fear of racism continues to plague the freedom of many.   

I cannot help but think about how the senseless killing of George Floyd caused personal pain and grief for thousands across the world and for many at Roanoke College. In the same vein, the fear of such violent acts hinders many African Americans from feeling safe in our society. The pain and anguish associated with Mr. Floyd’s death is real. It is valid. 

We express our sympathy and support for the family of George Floyd and for those who have been affected by his death. 

His death, however, will be in vain if we do not learn from it. As an educational institution, our first lesson should be that hatred and violence toward others are never right. Battling hatred is a responsibility for all Americans. It is important, as an educational community, that we raise our voices to call out hatred, especially when that hatred is in the form racism or other versions of discrimination. 

It is, without question, completely unfair and un-American for some members of our society to live in fear based on their race, religious practices, gender, sexual orientation or identification, or ethnicity. That is not who we want to be as a college or a nation.

I have confidence that we will learn from George Floyd’s death. I have confidence because I am convinced that good people outnumber hateful people. I am equally convinced that the convictions of good people are stronger than those of hateful people. I know those statements are true in our College community, and I believe them to be true in our nation. 

At the start of every College year, we talk about four values. “Do your best.” “Pursue truth.” “Care for your community.” “Serve others.” Those are Roanoke College values and they are our bedrock. Those values are the firm ground on which we now stand. When we see hateful behavior toward others, we should do our best to stand up to it. We should seek truth even during the din of strife. We should care for all other Maroons, regardless of who they are. We should serve others who need us in the broader community. 

In the Book of Proverbs we learn that “If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited.” The death of George Floyd, and its aftermath, meets any definition of “a difficult time.” It is up to us to act in ways that utilize our collective strengths to make the world a better, more equitable place.

In the coming days at Roanoke College, we will have many opportunities to act justly and inclusively. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will work with the Black Student Alliance and Diversity Peer Educators to facilitate a virtual Healing Circle. It will take place on Friday, June 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. 

We are also forming a Center for Studying of the Structures of Race, which will allow all of us at Roanoke to understand the legacy of race and its influence on our society. The Center will promote a greater understanding of racism and its effects. It will also encourage civic engagement and debate in ways that are both civil and informed. 

I also commend involvement for all of us in the work of Natasha Saunders, Wes Brusseau, Chaplain Bowen, and others as they lead many of our College efforts to be a more supportive, safe, caring community for every Maroon.    

I call on all of us to come together in our community as we work to make our College and larger community more just for all.   

Michael C. Maxey