Message from Dean Valery Forbes | The shooting of Daunte Wright

April 13, 2021

Email sent to the CBS community April 13, 2021


Dear CBS community,

As you know, a Brooklyn Center Police Department officer shot and killed Daunte Wright on Sunday. This tragedy adds fresh trauma to the open wound of previous killings at the hands of police. That this pattern continues unchanged nearly a year after the death of George Floyd underscores the need for immediate individual and systemic change.

I know many in our community are experiencing a range of emotions, from anger and grief to hopelessness and utter exhaustion, especially Black faculty, students and staff who experience racism every day in myriad ways. I encourage you to take care of yourselves first and foremost. University resources for employees and students can be found here. 



In her message to the University yesterday, President Gabel called on us all to play our part in building a more equitable, safe, and welcoming community. It’s imperative that we continue efforts across society to address the root causes of this problem. We can and must work toward an equitable future.

Best regards,

Valery Forbes
Dean, College of Biological Sciences