Tamica-Jean-Charles/ Staff Writer
In light of recent events of protests happening nationwide President Mark B. Rosenberg makes a statement to the FIU community.
“I see and feel the outrage that has surged into the streets of American cities. I wonder why we can’t de better as a nation,” said Rosenberg in the statement.
Rosenberg stated appreciation towards the Black Student Union and the overall FIU community, offering support. He ensures the FIU community University operates on a system that “promotes hope and opportunity and rejects violence and hate.”
Rosenberg also mentions the FIU Police Department Chief Alexander Casas and the rest of the department, saying they will continue to “uphold their duties in protecting and serving out FIU community with a commitment to promote justice and equality for all.”
The statement comes days after riots popped across the nation protesting the death of 46-year-old George Floyd, who was killed by Minnesota Police Department Officer Derek Chauvin. Video showing Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleads “I can’t breathe.”
This past Memorial Day, a convenience store employee called the police accusing Floyd of trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes. When Minnesota police arrived, Floyd was handcuffed and taken into custody for “physically resisting an officer,” according to a police statement. Despite video evidence disproving resistance from Floyd, police indicated that he went against the officer’s instruction.
Chauvin has been charged with murder in the third degree and manslaughter. The three other officers present at the incident have been fired.
Since Floyd’s death, riots have ensued across the nation in protest. Two other deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was killed by a former police officer and his son in February, and Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was fatally shot in her home in March.
The protests have made its way to Miami, as groups have been popped up in Coral Gables and Interstate 95, with protestors, spray painting police cars, and signs. Part of I-95 was closed as a result of protestors walking in the interstate.
“I call on all Panthers to take personal responsibility for how we react to the events of the past few days and look for small and big ways to make a difference,” said Rosenberg in the statement.
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