University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., and UC Board of Regents Chair John A. Pérez released the following statement today (April 20) regarding the Chauvin trial verdict:
As the prosecution made abundantly clear, Derek Chauvin grossly and maliciously overstepped his duties as a police officer when he killed George Floyd. The jury confirmed what many of us who watched that horrible video know to be true: Floyd was murdered.
This verdict will not ameliorate the incredible pain and grief the Floyd family are experiencing, or the suffering endured by so many more. It does, at least, reaffirm the principle that no one is above the law, especially not a peace officer trusted with protecting a community’s safety and security.
Although it cannot bring back Floyd, may today’s jury decision give his family and loved ones a measure of peace, and encourage our country to reimagine and work toward a safer and more equitable future for us all.