Dear Members and Friends of the Yale Political Union,
It’s been a hard week. In the midst of a global pandemic and record levels of unemployment, we have seen still more senseless murders of Black Americans at the hands of police. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade are among the most recent Black Americans to unjustly perish as a result of police misconduct. As President and Speaker, we recognize that we do not speak for the entirety of the Yale Political Union. Still, as its highest elected officers, we feel obligated to share our commitment to anti-racism and express our solidarity with the protestors who are risking their well-being for racial justice in over 140 American cities.
We have been heartened by the commitment shown by many of our members toward eradicating police brutality, whether through promoting awareness, providing financial support, or marching with protestors in the streets. Still, we recognize how far we have to go. The history of violence against African Americans stretches for over 400 years, and the struggle against police violence forms just one of the many crimes against African Americans that our nation must atone for. This injustice is exacerbated by unfit leaders who goad violence and bigotry, as well as the antidemocratic and violent treatment of protesters by police and government officials.
We are asking those who receive this message to also make a commitment to anti-racism, justice, and equality. As a debate society, we encourage rigorous discourse. But the Yale Political Union is not merely a place to espouse ideas. What good is a developed ideology if it never leaves the debate hall? We challenge our beliefs so that when the time comes, we are able to do what’s right.
We also strongly encourage those of you who are able to donate to organizations in favor of racial justice in Connecticut and in your local communities. This includes the Connecticut Bail Fund and the New Haven mutual aid fund. We also encourage donations to the Yale Undergraduate Prison Project (Venmo: @yaleprisonproject), which will be splitting donations between Reclaim the Block, We Love Lake Street, and People Against Police Brutality CT to support protestors and small business owners in Connecticut and Minnesota. We also encourage you all to educate yourselves on the history of racism in the United States, some readings for which can be found here.
Finally, we recognize the trauma, uncertainty, and chaos of this moment. Though we may be scattered across the country and the world, we hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. If there is any support that we can provide, please let us know.
Yours sincerely,
Jeff Cieslikowski, President of the Yale Political Union
McKinsey Crozier, Speaker of the Yale Political Union