The discourse of race and racism reached an apex nationally and internationally following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The responses to this racialized violence and murder was widespread and varied from social media posts to mass protests in the streets. The primary response of institutions of higher education was to issue a public statement by university leadership, usually the president of the university. As a researcher, I sought to better understand how those who work in the administration and leadership of a university respond to incidents of racism. Using Critical Discourse Analysis, I examined public statements by university leadership made as a response to the murder of George Floyd. With Critical Race Theory and Critical Whiteness Studies as a theoretical framework, I explain the ways these statements expressed the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of the mission of the university and an understanding that a commitment to taking action to work against racism is needed. Further analysis revealed how these statements highlight the racial identity of the leaders, their understanding of the uses of power, and ultimately the performative nature of racial awareness and consciousness. I conclude that university leaders should consider racial awareness and consciousness as a critical competence of their leadership in order to become anti-racist leaders and lead higher education toward anti-racist policies and practices. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]