Good Morning, Highlanders.
 
As we begin week 10, managing through this COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging our student-athletes to finish the quarter strong, and preparing a return to campus/return to competition plan, we find ourselves starting this Monday morning, June 1, on the heels of an incredibly troubling and emotional weekend consisting of protests and discussions around the country following the actions of Amy Cooper and recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breona Taylor and George Floyd.
 
Across the U.S. and here at home, many people are shocked and others once again outraged by the repeated senseless and unjust killings of Black Americans at the hands of officers who swore an oath to protect and serve our communities. We are in a critical moment for our country and now is the time to take a closer look at the UC Principles of Community, our Social Justice system and Equality of Opportunity that should uplift and empower us all. I see and hear the pain of so many of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, Highlander family and friends. I believe I speak for all of us by saying UCR Athletics will continue to foster an environment where all feel welcome and respected. We will encourage more difficult conversation in days ahead to ensure we work toward a commitment where all feel seen and heard.
 
We recognize that our University, Athletics community and nation are hurting right now. Everyone has the right to live free from fear and to be treated with respect and dignity. It is okay to feel the wide range of emotions you may be feeling processing the frustration and pain of our Black and African American community.  We know that Black Lives Matter and there is no neutrality. Racism in America must end.
 
While we call on those with the ability and the power to stop this systemic madness to do so, let us remember to do our part. Let us take care of each other and work together to support our student athletes. Let us find safe spaces so we can have the conversations we need to have, find the actions we can take and the solutions we can create. I am asking that we begin working with HR on a forum for the Athletics Department (student-athletes, coaches) to facilitate "Highlanders Speak Up for Humanity Conversations" for our community and key stakeholder groups acknowledging the diversity of our campus and teams to discuss societal issues that impact us and how we might be able to activate the change we want to see. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, ideas or express your concerns.
 
In the interim, let us listen to one another and recognize this issue affects each of us differently but we can come together in solidarity to make this a turning point for our campus, city, country and nation. My heart goes out to those who have lost their lives at the hands of senseless violence and my continued prayers for justice with their family and friends.
 
Please know that each of you are appreciated and can be a valuable contributor in this moment.
 
Remember, we are stronger together so let's stay united in faith, hope and love. 
 
- Tamica 
 
Tamica Smith Jones 
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics 
University of California, Riverside