Dear Anteaters,

Today we learned the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial on the murder of George Floyd. After a lengthy trial, the jury was swift in their decision to find Chauvin guilty and we can rest in the knowledge that, in this case, justice has been served.

It has been almost a year since the death of George Floyd and many of you may be feeling a lot of emotion at the outcome of this highly-charged trial. I encourage you to reach out to one another and be there for each other as we all process this outcome.

If you feel like you need additional support, here are some resources at UCI you can access as well as a virtual community forum hosted by the Cross-Cultural Center today at 5pm (https://uci.zoom.us/j/98533243348):

If you are in need of mental health resources, please contact the UCI Counseling Center (https://counseling.uci.edu). Other resources are available in the many offices that make up Student Life & Leadership (https://studentlife.uci.edu), Wellness, Health & Counseling (https://whcs.uci.edu/wellness-health-counseling-services), and the Office of Inclusive Excellence (https://inclusion.uci.edu).

While this decision does not bring George Floyd back, it acknowledges that there is opportunity for the nation to learn and grow and for all of us to work together to create a safer and more equitable future. Please join me in continuing to do the work to create a more socially just society and world.

In Solidarity,

Rameen Talesh, Ed.D.

Dean of Students

Assistant Vice Chancellor Student Life & Leadership