Standing in Solidarity with our Community
November 24, 2021
We are relieved that a sense of justice prevailed in the trial verdicts of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. At the same time, we recognize much more work needs to be done to ensure a just and equitable society. Ahmaud was the same age as many of our graduate students, and today’s outcome may evoke a range of feelings and emotions. Please know we are standing in solidarity with our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community.
The Graduate School will continue to focus on creating safe spaces for dialogue and discourse for BIPOC students and postdoctoral trainees, as well as the greater TGS community. Our mission is to cultivate community and connection, and to foster an environment of inclusive excellence. Northwestern is a community of exceptional talent and intelligence; we must use our collective brilliance to shine a light on social injustice and racial inequity to create a better tomorrow.
If you would like to talk to someone about today’s verdict and other recent trial outcomes, we will connect you with the appropriate campus resources, including Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for graduate students and the Employee Assistance Program for faculty, staff, and postdoctoral trainees. We are here to support you and our doors are always open.
Sincerely,
Kelly E. Mayo
Walter and Jennie Bayne Professor of Molecular Biosciences
Dean of The Graduate School and
Associate Provost for Graduate Education
Damon L. Williams, Jr.
Associate Dean
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Graduate School
Categories: From the Dean