A Message to the Energy Community at Duke University

Energy Initiative director Dr. Brian Murray shared the following message via email with Duke University energy students, faculty, and staff on Friday, June 5, 2020:

Dear Duke University energy community: 

We live in extraordinary times. Our society is directly confronting both a global pandemic and the most recent appalling instances of systemic racism and injustice that have been with us for far too long. Now and in the past, these events have caused great pain to members of our community and many others. As President Price has stated, "We as a university must do more than recognize and grieve these circumstances; we must work together to change them." 

The staff of the Energy Initiative join the Duke community in this commitment. We find inspiration in the words of Mary McLeod Bethune, an African-American educator and the daughter of former slaves: "The progress of the world will call for the best that all of us have to give." We will offer our best. And we will do so in community with you. If you need someone to listen, we are here. If you have ideas about how we can advance anti-racist change together or know of resources we might find useful, we welcome them. Just reach out to us. 

And, of course, we will continue to support your efforts to identify and advance solutions for our global energy and climate challenges. The economic, environmental, and health impacts of energy decisions carry substantial consequences for all of us, but especially for marginalized populations. Our work together matters now more than ever—and we are grateful to be undertaking it alongside each of you. 

- Dr. Brian Murray, Director, Duke University Energy Initiative