Dear Carleton Faculty, Staff, and Students,
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the horrific murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. In the days and months following his death, people all over the world have come together to demand justice and a long overdue reckoning with racism. Tragically, George Floyd is only one of many Black people who have died through police and vigilante violence. We hold the families of these victims and all those affected by hatred and brutality in our hearts.
Everyone on campus wishing to pause to reflect on this anniversary of George Floyd’s murder is invited to participate in a candlelight vigil in the Chapel today from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. In addition, through the sponsorship of the Office of Intercultural Life, there is a display in Upper Sayles memorializing the growing list of unarmed Black people who have died at the hands of police officers. This exhibition calls for your attention and further contemplation.
We know this day brings a variety of difficult emotions for many of our Carleton community members, and we stand ready to support you. Carleton students are encouraged to take advantage of the many resources available to them, including through Student Health and Counseling, the Office of Intercultural Life, the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Community and Civic Engagement, and the Chaplain’s Office. Faculty and staff seeking assistance may access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and therapy through the Human Resources website or by calling 1-866-326-7194. Carleton’s insurance provider, Health Partners, also has an EAP Racial Equity webpage to assist you with having sensitive discussions, being an advocate, and coping with stress about racism. Additionally, the Learning and Teaching Center has created a web blog about Teaching in Troubled Times.
Let this be a day when we remember our human connection to one another and the precious nature of every single life. Let this be a day when demands for respect, dignity, inclusion, and justice are truly heard. Let this be a day that honors Black lives. There is much hard work ahead of us still, and together we must continue to learn, grow, and take meaningful action to ensure a better and more equitable future for our College and for broader communities.
Steve Poskanzer