An Open Letter from Lorenzo Boyd, Ph.D.

Hello Chargers,

Let me first state that I share your anguish over the events in our nation’s capital. This is not where we should be as a nation, but yet, here we are. Like many of you, I too am tired and emotionally drained by events in our nation … but now is not the time to give up, nor give in.

I have been made aware of potential student involvement in the incidents in Washington, DC. The Dean of Students office and UNH public safety are investigating the matter and my office will join to help develop ongoing strategies for us to unite as a community and move toward civil discourse, particularly when we disagree.

We cannot ignore these events and simply move on. We must learn from them; we must also be resolute in building unity in Charger Nation … all of us. Generations of bias and inequality cannot be erased in a few short months, by a few dedicated people. It will take all of us working in a unified way to make things better. This is a process. Every day we must chip away at the mountain of disparity that faces many members of our community.

Instead of taking cues from elected officials, social media posts, or celebrities, now is the time to look deep within ourselves and appeal to our better angels to do our individual part to help heal the nation and become more inclusive in our UNH community. I am committed to helping the university community heal, but things cannot go back to business as usual. We must acknowledge the past and right the wrongs of history. We must actively support a safe and inclusive learning environment while increasing critical thinking and tolerance of others. We are Chargers; we can do this … together!

In solidarity,
Lorenzo Boyd