To all members of the Computational Psycholinguistics Laboratory, and to all my students, colleagues, friends, and fellow members of society in the US and around the world:

As we enter summer 2020, let me acknowledge the somber moment we find ourselves in as a society. I've spent much of the past week following and processing the events around George Floyd's murder (a term the readily available facts seem to amply justify) and its wake. I am deeply heartened by the overwhelmingly peaceful protests that are ongoing around the country and indeed the globe. I am profoundly saddened by the destruction that has ensued in vulnerable communities around the country, and profoundly outraged at the violent abuses of power and authority we have seen by members of police and National Guard. Those responsible for these abuses must be held accountable in court of law, and the system putting so many individuals in a position to abuse them must be thoroughly reformed. Black lives matter.

In these most extraordinary days of an extraordinary few months, I find myself more acutely aware of my own privilege than ever before. I recognize that these events may affect each person in my circles of interaction in a different way. I recognize my own responsibility to help combat racism and all other forms of discrimination locally, nationally, and globally. Please know that you, and all, are welcome in our laboratory, and that I am dedicated to making our lab, our university, our academic discipline, and our society an understanding and supportive environment where all participants can thrive intellectually and personally. However I can be of help, please don't hesitate to let me know. To all members of the lab and our community, please don't hesitate to ask questions or make suggestions regarding any aspect of the above; I look forward to our work together this summer.

Last modified: Wed 03 Jun 15:44:46 UTC 2020 by Roger Levy.