Resolution Regarding the Rodney King Verdict

WHEREAS

The April 29, 1992, verdict in the case of the officers charged with beating Rodney King has raised questions about whether the American system of justice treats people equitably under the law; and

WHEREAS

The powerlessness born of having an unequal voice and inadequate representation begets frustration sometimes leading to violence; and

WHEREAS

San Francisco State University, through the efforts of its Commission on Human Relations, Working Committee on Multicultural Perspectives in the Curriculum, and other projects has placed a high priority on implementing the principles embodied in its recently adopted statement, "Principles for a Multicultural University"; and

WHEREAS

The hostile climate generated by the verdict in this case imperils the foundations of reason, common sense, morality, and compassion which underlie the academic enterprise as well as the larger society which this enterprise serves and is inimical to the equity and diversity goals of this campus; therefore be it

RESOLVED

That the San Francisco State University Academic Senate decry the verdict in the case of the officers charged with beating Rodney King; and be it further

RESOLVED

That the San Francisco State University Academic Senate reaffirm its commitment to a governance process which actively encourages the participation of all members of the academic community; and be it further

RESOLVED

That the San Francisco State University Academic Senate reaffirm its commitment, and redouble its efforts, to provide an academic environment which promotes the empowerment, embraces the diverse viewpoints, and celebrates the contributions of all members of the community which the University serves; and be it further

RESOLVED

That this resolution be distributed to the SFSU Campus community, the Chair of the Academic Senate, CSU and to the Chairs of the CSU campus Senates.