Statements on Jacob Blake Shooting

On Aug. 23, 2020, Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot several times by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Two leaders at Pitt shared messages in support of justice in the case.

“The heart-wrenching news of yet another shooting of a Black person involving law enforcement is a painful reminder that systemic racism remains firmly rooted in communities throughout America. Seeing the shooting of Jacob Blake poured salt on the unhealed wounds that are a result of generations of trauma. This pain was further exacerbated by the shootings of three protesters in the night that followed. Simply put, we are immersed in turmoil and in need of a course for change..”

—Clyde Pickett, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. Read his full statement.

“The tragic shooting of Jacob Blake and the senseless violence that has ensued in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a grim and all too familiar reminder that Black lives remain in peril. Our collective fight for justice must be unwavering and unceasing. It is imperative that justice prevails in our country, both to avert police shootings of unarmed citizens and to hold accountable—to the fullest extent of the law—those responsible for all forms of violence against others.”

—Kenyon Bonner, vice provost and dean of students. Read his full statement.

On Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. ET, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting an Inclusion Network gathering to ignite collective action and stand together in support of an anti-racist agenda. All members of the Pitt community are welcome to join.