Black Lives Matter: RCVS President's statement to Council

Speaking at the outset of last Thursday's online RCVS Council meeting (4 June 2020), President Niall Connell made the following statement in response to events surrounding the recent death of George Floyd in the USA:

"I’d like to say a few words about the events that have taken place in the world recently. Everyone will be aware of the images of George Floyd, pinned by his neck to the ground by a police officer in America and heard of his consequent death.

"Everyone is affected by this terrible event and we stand in solidarity with our black colleagues who too frequently encounter incidents of racism in their lives. We grieve with our friends and colleagues.

"I would like to reiterate that RCVS Council and staff are committed to diversity and inclusion in its fullest sense. Black lives matter.

"We are striving, through the work of the diversity and inclusion group and other initiatives to build a diverse and inclusive profession, that has zero-tolerance of any discrimination of any sort at any level.

"We understand that change takes time. By working together we aspire to move forward to embrace a better future.”

Niall Connell, RCVS President