Tau Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Resolution 1911

June 20, 2020

 

Whereas, African American communities have suffered systemic racism, acts of discrimination, hate crimes, and microaggressions due to racism; and

 

Whereas racism and racial discrimination threaten human development because of the obstacles which they pose to the fulfillment to basic human rights to survival, security, development, and social participation; and

 

Whereas racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance have been shown to be attitudes and behaviors that are learned; and

 

Whereas racism has been shown, historically, to have negative cognitive, behavioral, affective, and relational effects on both child and adult victims nationally and globally; and

 

Whereas racism has been shown to increase anxiety, depression, self-defeating thoughts and avoidance behaviors, and is linked to a host of medical complications in ethnic minority individuals; and

 

Whereas racism has been shown to negatively affect ethnic minority children's academic and social development, self-esteem, and personal feelings of efficacy; and

 

Whereas racism and poverty are inextricably linked and both are risk factors for high levels of emotional distress; and

 

Whereas racism negatively affects the cognitive and affective development of members of the dominant group by perpetuating distorted thinking about the self and members of marginalized or oppressed groups; and

 

Whereas racism can promote anxiety and fear in the dominant group members whenever they are in the presence of, or anticipating the presence of, marginalized group members, often leading to acts of hostility and aggression toward ethnic minority individuals; and

 

Whereas both active racism and passive acceptance of race-based privilege disrupts the mental health of both perpetrators and victims of racial injustice; and

 

Whereas, in an effort to combat the acts of discrimination, hatred, and violence towards African Americans due to racism, we will stand together to combat social injustices and foster systems and communities anchored in dignity, love, compassion, and kindness; and

 

Whereas, we will make certain that we are fostering a culture that further strengthens our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere; and

 

Whereas, the Tau Omicron Chapter affirms its commitment to the well-being and safety of African-American community members and ensures that they are not alone and will be supported in helping to stop the spread of systemic racism; and

 

Whereas, the Tau Omicron Chapter is committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting all students and public-school success and is especially aware of the trauma accompanying being subject to racism, discrimination and prejudice as a barrier to positive mental health and well-being, and academic achievement; and

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tau Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in conjunction with the Martinsville and Henry County communities continues to support its African American members and denounces any and all hatred, violence, racism, and discrimination.

 

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Tau Omicron Chapter June 20, 2020, in Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia.

 

 

 

 

Basileus