Letter to the BFIT Community

June 2, 2020

President Anthony Benoit addressed the community pain surrounding the George Floyd killing and the subsequent turmoil in Boston neighborhoods in this letter to the BFIT community:

Dear students and colleagues:

Seeing the murder of George Floyd, I feel sadness, outrage, and disbelief that another unarmed Black man has been killed by police officers. How can this continue to happen in America?

My heart goes out to Floyd’s family. Their pain must be all that much worse for its mixture with anger and bafflement. Why?

I want to pause and acknowledge that this moment is difficult for our entire community, which I know to be inclusive and committed to values of equity and justice. But it is particularly painful for our students, faculty and colleagues who are Black, for whom this is a lived experience that is so very personal. Moreover, much of the turmoil of the last few days disturbs the streets of the neighborhoods where many of BFIT’s students live.

BFIT is an institution dedicated to building better lives, expanding economic opportunity, and creating engaged global citizens. But we cannot promote opportunity when people are not safe. The scourge of violence against Black men and women is tragic even beyond the personal suffering, which is horrific enough. This stain on our society, on the very mechanisms that are supposed to promote justice and safety, is an assault on the fundamental rights of Black and brown Americans.

Each of us will respond to this latest act of terrorism in many ways. I encourage you always to lift your voice and be heard. Please, when you do, keep yourself safe. We need you whole and healthy to build justice and opportunity for yourself, for your family, and for future generations.

The people at BFIT want to help, now and always. Please feel free to connect with your advisors, coaches, and teachers. BFIT’s office of student wellness is available to assist with support, information, and referrals.

BFIT will continue to do all we can to create a safer, more equitable community for all.

Tony

Members of the BFIT community can find health and wellness resources at bfit.edu/student-life/health-wellness.