Dear Campus Community,
Earlier today, the Memphis Police Department released deeply disturbing body camera footage of five police officers brutally assaulting Tyre Nichols. He died three days later. The Memphis Police Chief has called the officers’ actions “heinous, reckless, and inhumane.” The officers involved have been fired, arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
No outcome in the courts will ease the suffering caused by this senseless and brutal murder. We mourn the death of Tyre Nichols and the many other Black people who have died at the hands of law enforcement: Daunte Wright, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Freddie Gray, and too many more. No part of our country has been immune from such violence, and it is the responsibility of every one of us to stand up and speak out against the police brutality that so often disproportionately targets Black communities. We condemn anti-Black racism and violence, and recommit to our role in examining and seeking to end the hate and violence that damages Black and other historically marginalized communities across the nation.
This is an incredibly difficult time for many in our community as we struggle to process the contents of this video. If you are feeling the impact of these or related events, we encourage you to seek out the support and resources that can provide you comfort during this difficult time. Counseling and Psychological Services provides a range of mental health and wellness services for students. On the Margins offers individual coaching sessions focused on healing and resiliency practices to deepen and sustain students’ personal, social, and academic well-being and goals. The professional staff in our colleges and our resource centers, including the African American Resource and Cultural Center, can also provide support. Our Employee Assistance Program offers counseling and support to employees. Staff and faculty can also connect with Onyx for support.
Thank you for providing support to one another as a community and for the work so many on our campus do to engage in constructive dialogue about anti-racism, and build an inclusive, caring community. To our ABC community members in particular, you belong here and everywhere, and deserve to feel safe and respected. We hope you feel surrounded by the care of your Banana Slug community today.
Sincerely,
Cindy and Lori
Cynthia Larive
Chancellor
Lori Kletzer
Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
