Student Government Association Statement

UNG Student Government Association would like to extend condolences to the families and loved ones of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many others whose stories have gone unnoticed. For all who are mourning their loss and fearing what institutionalized and systematic racism means for their own lives, no one will ever fully understand the injustices you have suffered. To our African American students, our students of color, and all students, we hear you. We mourn with you. We respect and value you. We stand with you. We will continue to support and uplift you.

SGA will not be silent on this matter as our voice against hate and inequality is stronger and louder when we unite as a community. SGA stands with the victims of police brutality and all those affected by the senseless murders of African Americans. We encourage all peaceful and safe acts of protest. We must unify to work towards a solution together. We stand in solidarity with people who are speaking out and standing up for what they believe is right throughout the country.

We must do better. This is not a political issue; this is a human rights issue. Let's leave behind our political parties/beliefs and stand together in solidarity with African American communities everywhere. Through our recent consolidation, SGA will continue to work with Multicultural Student Affairs and UNG administration to support diversity initiatives and under-represented students.

SGA has added a new Executive Director of Diversity & Inclusion position that will work to provide a space for underserved populations to voice concerns as well as advance initiatives that support an inclusive campus community. We value the Diversity & Inclusion UNG has across all five campuses. We believe having this role we will be able to better represent all students and ensure the safety of the entire UNG community. As we affirm this commitment to action, we call all our fellow students to show up, listen, educate yourself, and act now.

To learn more or get involved please follow @ungsga and @msa_ung

In solidarity:

Alexandria Cowans, Black Student Union President-Gainesville
Andre Davis-Brown, Black Student Union President-Dahlonega
Jelma Flores-Mota, SGA President-Gainesville
Isabella Martinez, SGA President-Oconee
Kylee Howlin, SGA President-Cumming
Molly Vandiver, SGA Vice President-Dahlonega