Responding to Vandalism at the George Floyd Memorial

This morning, along with the rest of the Twin Cities, I saw news of the vandalism that occurred at the George Floyd Memorial at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. My heart ached as I read about another act of violence and hatred toward the Black community. I was also saddened and disappointed by the report that one of our alumni was involved.

This vandalism, along with any instance of racism or discrimination, has no place in our community. One of Bethel’s core values—reconcilers—reflects our call to honor the dignity and worth of all people as image-bearers of God. Through the Act Six scholarship program, BUILD program, and Cultural Connection Center, we have worked to cultivate a community that celebrates and reflects the diversity of the body of Christ. After the tragic death of George Floyd, we created the George Floyd Scholarship to acknowledge the persistence of injustice and affirm Bethel’s theological and practical commitment to stand unequivocally against racism.

Yet this instance and others like it demonstrates that there is more work to be done. As Christ-followers, our motivation for dismantling racist systems and pursuing justice is fully rooted in Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves. Through our Bethel University Institutional Action Plan for Diversity and Racial Healing—which will be shared in the near future—we will continue to live out this command and work to create a more equitable, just, and hopeful future.

Ross Allen
President