Dear UNH Community,
Over the past few weeks, many have been navigating anxiety and uncertainty as they actively engaged in following the trial of Derek Chauvin, who was charged with several counts including second-degree murder in the death of George Floyd. Our Black community members have been disproportionately impacted. Yesterday, a verdict of guilty on all counts was released.
This is a time for our students, our faculty, and our staff to come together in support of one another. It is important that we provide ourselves and each other with space to digest the verdict and to process our individual reactions. We hold strongly to our values of inclusivity, diversity and mutual respect. Please take care of yourself and others. The following discussions and support are available:
- Wednesday, April 21, 7 p.m., Law School faculty will host a webinar: The Derek Chauvin Verdict: What It Means and Why. Join?here.
- Thursday, April 22, from noon to 1 p.m. a facilitated processing session will be held to allow attendees the opportunity to reflect on the trial and verdict. It is open to all staff, faculty and graduate students. Join?here.
- Thursday, April 22, 6-8:30 p.m., Civil Discourse Lab will facilitate the final of three campus dialogues to foster conversation with those participating and/or interested in the work inspired by the Racial Equity Challenge. E-mail?kathleen.simoneau@unh.edu?for registration information.
- A variety of opportunities for continued education and dialogue will be available during Unity Week, May 4-8. Details to follow.
- For those members of our community who are feeling the trauma of this most acutely, we want to remind you that services continue to be available including:?Psychological and Counseling Services?(PACS); the?Beauregard Center?(formerly OMSA);?Health and Wellness; and the?Office of Community Equity and Diversity.
- Caché Owens-Velásquez, director of the Beauregard Center,?compiled a document for faculty and staff?about how to support students in addressing police violence and racism.
We encourage all members of the campus community to join us in continuing to work towards justice and uplifting one another. We are stronger together.
James W. Dean Jr.
President
