Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, International recognizes these recent weeks have been difficult, and deeply painful not only domestically, but for people in the international community. We are saddened and dismayed by the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless individuals before them. We express our sincere condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and hope that they will find strength, comfort, and peace in this time of deep grief.

While not all of us truly know the intensity of the pain felt by many, we can offer support, help in the healing process, and work towards meaningful change. 

In watching the recording of the death of George Floyd, we witnessed a senseless killing at the hands of law enforcement officers, the very people we entrust to protect us and keep us safe. We believe that the words of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who stated that the entire video is “wrong on every level…Being Black in America should not be a death sentence.” should resonate with everyone.

We stand in solidarity in pursuit of systemic change, unbiased treatment, equal justice for all, and we emphasize our commitment to diversity and inclusion.  We stand against racism and discrimination and envision a world free of social injustice. We believe every person deserves to be treated humanely and in an unbiased manner. We support law enforcement that faithfully upholds the laws and sincerely thank the men and women who risk their lives daily to protect and serve us all equally; however, we do not condone injustice, racism, or brutality, and believe that accountability must be ensured.

We care deeply about combating social injustice and are committed to being a part of the solution. We are intent to foster awareness and acumen in respect of issues of diversity and inclusion. As DTP members, we are students of law, professors of law, law librarians, attorneys, judges, legislators, and even law enforcement officers. Starting by examining the role each of us play, we can help improve our justice system to administer justice equally. We are reminded that inaction and silence are complicit to perpetuation. Problems cannot be addressed when there is a continued denial that a problem even exists.

We challenge our members to give support, raise their voices and engage in discussions, even if the discussions are difficult, to identify how direct, implicit, or even unconscious acts of prejudice and bias intersect with law and justice, and work toward better systems and outcomes. We implore you to educate yourselves and others on racism and systemic injustice and support a right to equal justice under the law, with the awareness that laws or legality are not unequivocally the same as justice. It is only through the honest and objective examination of our past that we can understand our present and create a better future.

Recognizing that there is no single solution, we acknowledge that complexity is not an excuse for inaction. These problems may seem insurmountable, but our very profession is positioned to listen, to learn, to lead, to assist, to advocate, to represent, and to work to effect change. Through combined efforts we can advance our attitudes, our communities and even our laws. We will continue to work to ensure that ALL people can access equal justice and protection under the law.

Sincerely, Jodie Justiss-Dinsmore Chancellor and the Supreme Senate members of Delta Theta Phi, International law fraternity.