Binghamton University is taking steps to support Black students after unrest around the country regarding the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and other acts of violence against Black citizens.

A George Floyd Memorial Scholarship will support the future African American student leaders. An endowment of $1.5 million will provide financial support to students and $200,000 of funds reallocated to the annual budget for the Clifford D. Clark Diversity Fellowships for Graduate Students. 

President Harvey Stenger also announced Binghamton University will be creating a Campus Citizen Review Board with students, faculty, and staff to review and improve the university police department's policies and procedures. 

"I am dedicated to creating this board and will work with the campus community toward decisive action. We encourage all other local and regional police agencies to follow this lead," said Stenger in a statement posted on Facebook. 

Some of the funds from the university police department will be moved to assist in campus-related emergency issues like mental health. 

Stenger says Binghamton University is committed to the academic success of the Black community and their goal is to make the campus a place where everyone feels that they belong and can excel.