(See below for resources) In these unprecedented and difficult times, we are faced with a double pandemic—the Covid-19 pandemic where people of color are dying at higher rates and the anti-black racism pandemic in the form of police brutality and murders. This double pandemic is a problem impacting the world, the country, the state, as well as our university. As sociologists, we are keenly aware of the compounding effect of structural racial inequality on physical and mental health during a double pandemic such as the one that we are living through.

The Department of Sociology at the University of Illinois concurs with the American Sociological Association on its statement: As sociologists, we have a responsibility to study and speak out regarding all forms of racism and injustice. Let us collectively take a knee and hold 8:46 minutes of silence. We are all in this together. If any of you, particularly our students, experience any difficulties, especially as a result of the double pandemic, let the Department know, let your advisor know, and let me know, because we are all here for you.

Tim Liao, Head, Department of Sociology