To my Stony Brook Athletics family:

Like so many events that occur throughout society, the senseless and tragic killing of George Floyd is viewed through an individual lens. That lens is shaped by our background, identity and perspective.  

You have heard me speak about celebrating all that makes us different, but this is not a time for celebration in our country. For many of our student-athletes, coaches and staff the issue of racial inequality — racism — exists in ways that I can never comprehend. I can tell you that as a white male, I am heartsick. No one has ever discriminated against me because of the color of my skin nor have I ever felt endangered because of it. The reality is that there are members of our Stony Brook family who can't say the same thing. We all need to think about what that means and commit to doing something about it.

This is an opportunity for us to have a candid conversation with all of our athletes and each other about a problem that we can no longer sweep under the rug. Real change in society can only occur when compassion and love exist. Coaches, your roles are extremely critical in sparking these conversations. I promise to do my part as well.    

The reality is that the death of George Floyd didn't just open a new wound; it deepened a preexisting one. Emotions are raw and understandably so. We will talk more about this in the days to come but I encourage you to be introspective about what we can do to bring about change in our small part of the world. It matters.

I often struggle with finding the right words to say but — right or wrong — I have trusted one thing ... my heart will lead the way. Trust yours. 


Shawn Heilbron
Stony Brook Director of Intercollegiate Athletics


Please also see this message from Stony Brook Interim President Michael Bernstein and President-Elect Maurie McInnis.