EVC Statement Of Solidarity

The EVC National Student Advisory Board's statement of solidarity regarding the death of George Floyd and systemic racism in the United States.

By EVC National Student Advisory Board

We, like so many around the country, are deeply disturbed and saddened by the senseless killing of George Floyd. We are similarly enraged by the pattern of violence, racism, and oppression againstBlack People in America that led to Floyd’s death and the deaths of too many other individuals. Yet we are heartened and encouraged by the fact that so many people—black and white, young and old—have spoken up and acted out against this injustice over the past few days. It is all of our responsibility to fight for an America that truly delivers equal justice for all. 

Every Vote Counts “seeks to strengthen our democracy for future generations by making sure that every American who is eligible to vote can easily do so—and that every vote counts.” If this mission is to have any meaning at all, it must mean that we understand our democracy is imperfect. It must mean that we recognize that the right to vote has never been equally extended to all people. And it must mean that we support the protest and uplift the voices of those who our democracy has historically excluded and presently fails to adequately include, especially our Black students and peers, as we fight alongside them for a more perfect future.

While protest is important, protest alone cannot make the changes our world so desperately needs.  So, while we recognize the failures of our electoral system and support the protest and action that has drawn attention to this important cause, we also hope those who raise their voice now will raise their voice again at the ballot box. Every Vote Counts chapters and partners will be working hard to make sure every eligible student is able to cast their vote as we all continue to fight for a future we can believe in.