On June 4, 2020, President Kathleen McCartney issued a statement about the killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis which acknowledged that this was not an isolated act of violence against the Black community. As she wrote, “The deliberate and brazen suffocation of George Floyd by a police officer, while three other officers stood by and did not intervene, is emblematic of the suffering Black people have endured in this country for more than 400 years.” President McCartney's full statement can be read here.

On behalf of my team at the Botanic Garden, I want to echo President McCartney’s statement and share with you again that the Botanic Garden of Smith College is committed to action. As we wrote in our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, botanical gardens have a critical role to play in addressing discrimination and racism. We are committed to being an institution that resonates with and invites in diverse audiences. We are fully committed to confronting bias and racism in how we work. 

View the full Botanic Garden statement, or click Learn more, below.