The Department of Political Science and International Relations Message of Solidarity

The Department of Political Science and International Relations stands in solidarity with those engaged in the ongoing struggle to seek justice in support of Black lives. We must remember that this struggle is rooted in hundreds of years of oppression and not one moment in time. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, Tony McDade, and George Floyd are only the most recent lives lost to white supremacy which we are called upon to confront in their memory. It is essential to our lives as scholars and teachers—and as members of the LMU community—to fight the interlocking and interconnected systems of white supremacy, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, antisemitism, patriarchy, and state violence. It is our duty to not only speak out against injustice in all of its forms, but also stand in direct opposition to oppression and domination. The Department of Political Science and International Relations strives to be a home for thought, critical reflection, scholarship, and action in pursuit of justice. We are accountable to our students and our mission in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions to build a world in which we can all be free and equal. The time for change is now, and so we must assert with our words and our actions that Black Lives Matter.