I have never been prouder of any group of graduates than I am this year. This final year in your program has included unimaginable circumstances. Yet, in spite of everything, you rose to the challenges and succeeded. Through it all you have demonstrated that you strong and deeply committed to your professions and serving others. Because of this, I am confident that you are prepared to join your professional colleagues to lead the change that is needed to eradicate social, economic, political and environmental injustices in this country and beyond.
The links below are but a few of the statements of commitment that your professional colleagues have shared with the world toward these aims. If you have not already done so, I invite you to take a few minutes to review these, and experience the purposive unity that exists within the community of behavioral health professionals that you now join.
- AAMFT Statement on MFT Responsibility to Counter Racism
- Resources for MFTs in a Racialized Climate
- APA: We Must Unmute
- APA Urges Closer Partnerships Between Police, Behavioral Experts To Stem Racial Incidents
- CSWE Diversity Center
I hope to see you in September. But for now—be well, be safe, and continue to be strong in your professional resolves and commitments.
Dr. Bev Buckles, Dean