Dear Midland University Community,

Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

These words, written thousands of years ago by the Apostle Paul, ring true in our society today. We are enduring difficult times in our nation. In recent months, our world has changed in ways we never would have expected. A global pandemic, which has affected all of us in many different ways, is nonetheless easier to face together because the COVID-19 virus is an “enemy” which exists outside of our community. Now we find ourselves amid a crisis that is complex in different ways, most notably because the “enemy” that is racism exists within the very fabric of human existence itself.

The killing of George Floyd is another in a long line of acts of violence against people of color - and the acts of violence committed by protestors and police against each other in the aftermath make us grieve even more. It is difficult to understand the continuation of acts of violence against people of color, let alone attempt to explain them to future generations. More difficult still is understanding and acknowledging the anger and frustration felt by many, while at the same time condemning acts of retributive violence against people or property. 

At Midland University, nearly one-third of our student population identifies as coming from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. We embrace this diversity. Our diversity is an essential facet of our community. Becoming a more diverse and inclusive community has made Midland a stronger university. Our goal is to provide students from all backgrounds the opportunity to succeed and work toward a world where every person, regardless of the color of their skin, is celebrated for who they are and what they believe in.

Martin Luther King Jr. said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Now, more than ever, we are called to be resilient and endure. To love one another. We are called to stand together and work to make things better. We are called to channel our anger and frustration toward positive change. We know the challenges we face are real, but with everyone working together, we can move forward and thrive as a community.