We are truly sorry for the email sent August 16 that caused so much hurt and pain for Purdue’s Black community. As leaders of the Purdue Alumni Association, we are ashamed this communication evaded our typical vetting and approval process. It absolutely does not represent what we, as an organization, stand for.

At the Purdue Alumni Association, we believe Black lives matter.

As an organization, we commit to the following actions to continue our learning and growth in racial literacy:

• Dr. John Gates, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, will be addressing Purdue Alumni Association staff at an upcoming all-staff meeting
• Purdue Alumni Association staff will participate in the Purdue Institute for Racial Equity, a faculty and staff development initiative that will focus on the policies, practices, systems, and structures that support systemic racism
• We will promote and support the Division of Diversity and Inclusion’s series of virtual discussions Pursuing Racial Justice Together planned for this academic year. You can sign up to receive more information here.  
• We will continue to support and affirm Black Boilermakers through both the Purdue Black Alumni Organization, a Purdue Alumni network, and in everything we do
• Purdue Alumnus magazine will amplify Black voices surrounding Purdue’s diversity and inclusion efforts in an upcoming issue  

Purdue’s diversity is its strength. 

We pledge to do better, to continue to listen, and to strive to impact change. We welcome your additional ideas on how we might do that.