From the Dean's Office: Response to recent shootings

Shock. Anger. Sadness. Disbelief. Fear. Outrage. Frustration. Desperation. Those emotions and many more characterize our responses as we grapple individually and collectively with the racially motivated killings of 10 Black people in Buffalo, New York.

While we are all affected by this senseless tragedy, it is important to acknowledge the disproportionate burden that falls on our Black community members who once again must watch news stories of people who look like them being killed simply for being Black, who once again must talk to their children about hatred, and who once again are reminded of the constant need to be vigilant while doing everyday activities.

There were other mass shootings over the weekend in addition to the shooting in Buffalo, including one in Laguna Hills, California that targeted a Taiwanese community and one at a Korean salon in Dallas, Texas, and we acknowledge that these events are impacting members of our community as well.

Everyone will be on a different timeline for processing what has happened. To the members of these communities, we recognize the emotional burden you are carrying and understand the need to take care of yourself. We encourage you to take the time and space needed to do so.

For those of us who aren’t members of these communities, it is important to remember that this is not the time to seek to learn from our colleagues of color as they are grieving and experiencing trauma as a result of the ongoing violence against people of color. Now is the time for us to reassess our commitment to anti-racist practices and take initiative that will lead to dismantling systems of oppression.

These tragedies also remind us of the important role we play as a College to eradicate racism. While our College has made some progress, we acknowledge there is more work to do to address policies and practices that are harmful and further marginalize students, staff, and faculty. Please consider rereading the statements written by our Student Ambassadors, Staff Representative Group, Faculty Senate, and Leadership Council in response to the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Those statements contain suggested actions for individuals and our College. This seems like an appropriate time to take stock of what we have done as individuals and as a College in the last two years and to recommit ourselves to additional action and education.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will host a space for people directly affected by these events who wish to come together on Wednesday, May 25 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. You must register via Zoom to attend.

Lastly, we would like to remind you of two additional resources that you may find useful. The DEI Office has a variety of resources available in its content library for those seeking readings, videos, podcasts, and websites on anti-racism. Also, the WELLS Healing Center, a nonprofit organization associated with Academics for Black Survival and Wellness, will hold a space for Black grief on Saturday, May 21 at noon. Please register on their website.