Our Stance on Racism

Dear Kearns Family:

We are profoundly grieved, but not entirely surprised, as we share this statement. Since our founding moments, the Kearns Center has focused on providing services, support and access to students from communities that are systematically underserved in terms of educational access and attainment. Our students, who are from low-income and first generation-college and underrepresented minority heritage backgrounds, often face double barriers of poverty and racism. Their many achievements in life, in higher education and beyond, serve as a lasting reminder that despite the systemic obstacles of hatred and racism, hope is possible.

The Kearns Center is committed to serving students to the best of our ability at all times. At this time, amidst a pandemic that is hitting Black communities the hardest in terms of death counts, economic suffering, and sheer emotional toll, we are sympathetic that contents under extreme pressure sometimes explode. The pain and suffering of losing Black lives represents a historical pattern and ongoing injustice. Violence and brutality against unarmed Black citizens is tragic.

At this time, we express support for all of our students, past, current and future: you are our family. We stand with you; we feel your rage, fears, and frustration, and we hear your voices. We also know that you are the promise of a better future for all of us—for the planet, even.

We will not proceed as normal without recognizing the pain and struggle and hope of this American social moment. Black Lives Matter. We are here for you, no matter what.

With support and in solidarity,

The Kearns Center