Bryant President Calls For 'Empathy and Respect For Diversity'

SMITHFIELD, RI — Bryant University President Ronald Machtley called for a renewed sense of inclusiveness in the face of increasing racial tensions across the country this week following the police killing of George Floyd.

The statement was issued in the wake of weekend protests, which turned violent in cities across the country — including Boston—after the police killing of Floyd in Minneapolis last week.

"Racism and bias are so destructive because they undermine our strength as a community," Machtley said in a statement released late Monday afternoon. "It is painful to see painful to see hate, violence and racial injustice dividing our communities. This is a shared challenge, and it is our collective problem, and we must address it."

The campus has been closed to most students and staff since the beginning of the coronavirus health emergency in March. Machtley has said that the school intends to bring students back to campus for the fall semester.

"We must insist on open and honest dialogue," Machtley said. "We need to use our collective voices to stand together against racism and injustice. We need to cultivate empathy and respect for diversity and diverse viewpoints. We are all stronger when we unite and we work together, and now more than ever we need to focus on understanding and kindness."

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