Wheaton Pledges Response To 'Instances Of Racism And Intolerance'

NORTON, MA — Wheaton College Preisdent Dennis Hanno issued a statement Monday morning on the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week — and in light of protests that turned violent overnight in major cities, including Boston, across the country — pledging to work toward "creating a campus plan of action and support in response to these tragic recent events."

The Norton campus has been closed to most student and faculty activity since the start of the coronavirus health emergency in March.

"Yet again, we witness another instance of violence inflicted on an African-American man in our country," Hanno said. "Yet again, we see instances of racism and intolerance in the national news on an almost daily basis.

"I know that George Floyd's murder and the many other recent racist acts in the news and that some experience daily have a profound impact on many members of our community. It should matter to all of us."

Hanno said the school is in the process of creating the plan to further combat racist acts on camus and "creating a community that is inclusive and works toward justice for us."

"We must be better, and I urge every member of the Wheaton community to join me in committing to action to address racism in all its forms," Hanno said.

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