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A virtual town hall on social justice in America served as a release for some and an eye-opener for others in the UMB community.
Grief. Exhaustion. Anger. Confusion. Guilt.
These are all feelings the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community expressed during an emotional virtual town hall dedicated to discussing the personal and nationwide outrage surrounding the death of 46-year-old George Floyd in police custody.
The town hall, titled, “A Social Justice Crisis in America,” featuring panelists Wendy Shaia, EdD, MSW, clinical associate professor, University of Maryland School of Social Work; executive director, Social Work Community Outreach Service; and founder, Positive Schools Center; and Chaz Arnett, JD, associate professor, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, sought to create a space where a frank and sometimes uncomfortable discussion could begin about the realities of systemic racism in America and how it plays out at UMB.
The town hall was moderated by Russell McClain, JD, professor and associate dean for diversity and inclusion at Maryland Carey Law; and Elsie Stines, DNP, CRNP, assistant vice president, special projects and initiatives, and chair, Diversity Advisory Council.