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K-State Today

April 19, 2021

A call for a thoughtful, peaceful response

Submitted by Richard Myers

Dear K-State Community: 

Those who follow the news are aware that a verdict is likely to come soon in the trial of Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer involved in the death of George Floyd. As we have witnessed before, decisions in these cases have the potential to cause pain, social unrest and violence. 

While we can't predict or control the outcome of this trial, we can determine our response to the jury's decision. We call upon the K-State Community to approach this situation with a thoughtful, peaceful reaction, regardless of your opinions. We can learn from these national situations as we continue to work for social justice and greater understanding of each other. 

In preparation for the verdict we are offering several venues for students, faculty and staff who may be affected by the outcomes. Please take advantage of these services or encourage others who might benefit.

The office of Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs, in collaboration with Counseling Services and the College of Health and Human Science's Family Center, will host a series of engagement opportunities to assist students during these difficult and trying times.  

On Friday, April 23, at 3 p.m. they will host a vigil/moment of silence and solidarity in the Ray Dempsey Plaza at the Morris Family Multicultural Student Center. This program will be followed with a "Meet a Therapist" initiative. It provides an opportunity to meet and connect with mental health therapists on campus. One-on-one sessions will be available to students who request them. Sessions will run:

Friday, April 23, 4-5 p.m. 

Monday, April 26, 2-5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 27, 2-5 p.m. 

Wednesday, April 28, 2-5 p.m.  

All sessions will be held in the Phillip 66 Atrium of the Morris Family Multicultural Student Center. 

The Staley School of Leadership Studies will be offering spaces for faculty and staff to meet virtually and process as a community once the trial concludes. A separate announcement will be posted in K-State Today, if you are interested in registering please do so and details will be sent to you. 

As always, let's continue to support each other.

Sincerely,

Richard B. Myers
President

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