Standing in Solidarity with our Community
Dear members of our TGS community,
We find ourselves all too soon writing you to once again express that we stand in solidarity with our community in light of the terrible killings of Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo. We also await the outcome of the trial of Derek Chauvin in the hope that justice will prevail in the death of George Floyd.
As Dr. Robin Means Coleman and other University leaders expressed in their April 15 message, these horrific incidents impact all of us, and are especially difficult for our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community.
In addition to the resources outlined in the University’s message, such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for graduate students and the Employee Assistance Program for faculty, staff, and postdoctoral trainees, we wanted to direct your attention to the following opportunities to collectively process your feelings in a safe and supportive environment:
BIPOC Student Support Circle
The BIPOC support circle is a discussion and community space for BIPOC-identified students seeking a supportive and brave space to gather, develop a sense of connection, and experience collective and individual healing. CAPS is hosting bi-weekly sessions at 4:00 PM CDT on Thursdays through June 3. Each meeting will center on a different topic. You can learn more and register here.
Social Justice with Brushes: Portraits of Reflection Projection Workshop
This workshop will take place Thursday, April 29 at 6:00 PM CDT. It will be structured as a dialogue throughout the evening to engage the participants’ inner expressionism and creativity. The goal is for participants to curate a piece that reflects themselves and their experiences that come to the surface as these expressions unfold. The workshop is hosted by our Office of Diversity and Inclusion and is exclusive to TGS students and postdoctoral trainees. If you are interested in attending, please register by Monday, April 19.
Furthermore, Dr. Kenneth Washington is a CAPS staff psychologist and liaison to Black and African American students. His special interests are Black existentialism, complex trauma, identity development, existential concerns, meaning in life, first generation and low-income students, relational and family issues, and adjustment and life transitions. Dr. Washington co-facilitates the BIPOC support circle with Kanika Wadhwa, MA, LCPC, a women's advocacy and wellness specialist and another staff member of color at CAPS.
CAPS also wanted to remind graduate students of their crisis support (for those needing to speak to someone immediately) and their Let's Talk virtual drop-in consultations.
Please know The Graduate School staff also are resources and available to you. We want to provide space and dialogue to support a safe and welcoming environment, and we pledge to continue working toward a more just and equitable society. Our “virtual” doors are always open.
Sincerely,
Kelly E. Mayo
Walter and Jennie Bayne Professor of Molecular Biosciences
Interim Dean of The Graduate School and
Interim Associate Provost for Graduate Education
Damon L. Williams, Jr.
Assistant Dean
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Graduate School
Categories: From the Dean