Mia Tuan, dean of the University of Washington College of Education, issued the following statement regarding recent shootings involving black men and police officers.

In the wake of the latest controversial killing of black men by police and the subsequent killing of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, our College is in mourning. The University of Washington College of Education expresses its deep sympathy with the individuals, families and communities who have experienced loss. And we express our solidarity, love and compassion for all who are coping with the accumulation of trauma from these and so many other acts of violence.

As we mourn, we must also ask ourselves “what more must we do?” Legal scholar Michelle Alexander writes, “I am asking myself tonight what I need to do in the months and years to come to walk my walk with greater courage… I hope it’s a question we are all asking ourselves.” Following her lead, we ask what more we must do, as individuals and as a College of Education, to undo the legacy of racism and eradicate inequality? And what more must we do to heal the rage, alienation and hopelessness that lead some to pursue revenge and annihilation?

As an institution tasked with the preparation of educators and the generation of relevant research, it is our responsibility to develop practices that transform schools and educational spaces rather than maintain the status quo. Those educators include researchers, teachers, district leaders, school counselors, principals, curriculum designers, policy makers and community educators. Indeed, educators of all stripes, in all roles, must play a pivotal part in unraveling the underlying issues and practices that perpetuate inequality, intolerance, fear and violence. Here at the UW College of Education we take this responsibility very seriously. It is the very reason for our existence and we will continue to walk with courage.

Mia Tuan
Dean, College of Education