Dear Temple community, 

The last year and a half has been incredibly traumatizing for many. I don’t think we could have imagined dealing with a deadly pandemic that has been disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, an exponential rise in anti-Asian racism, assaults on trans rights and voting rights, and an outright attack on democracy. There have been 50 mass shootings since the Atlanta massacre on March 16, 2020. 

As we await the verdict in the Derek Chauvin’s trial for the murder of George Floyd, we want to urge you to continue to explore ways to positively cope with the collective trauma we are experiencing. There are a number of resources both internal and external to campus that can assist as well as websites and apps (Tuttleman Counseling Services, Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Resource Center). Whatever the strategy, know it might take time so be patient with yourself. 

This week marks the start of Cultural Unity Week (April 21-April 28) and we will have programming that is not only celebratory but that also addresses some of the issues we are facing in our current climate such as “cancel culture” and community policing. 

But the discussion does not end there. Please join us for our Black in America Series: Healing from Racial Injustice post-George Floyd’s Murder on April 29 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom where we will hold space to process the outcome of the trial. 

No matter the outcome, we must remain resolute in working to end racial injustice and creating a community, locally, nationally and globally, that is equitable and just for all.

In solidarity,

Valerie Harrison, PhD
Senior Advisor to the President

Tiffenia D. Archie, PhD
Assistant Vice President
Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL)

Nu’Rodney T. Prad, MS
Director, Student Engagement
Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL)

References

• Throughout Trial Over George Floyd’s Death, Killings by Police Mount
• The US has reported at least 50 mass shootings since the Atlanta spa shootings