April 22, 2021
A space for faculty and staff to connect following the Derek Chauvin trial
Submitted by Staley School of Leadership Studies
In continuation of the ongoing efforts at Kansas State University, and in response to the verdict of the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, the Staley School of Leadership Studies is offering virtual spaces for faculty and staff to meet and process as a community.
Colleagues across campus have been working for years to raise discussion and create spaces — at K-State, in Kansas and nationally — for the ongoing work of racial justice. Chauvin was found guilty on all charges for the murder of George Floyd on Tuesday, April 20. This is a critical moment for justice and accountability, but it is one of many moments that call our community to exercise leadership and continue to reconcile, act on and create just systems.
All faculty and staff are welcome at these informal, virtual gatherings:
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22.
- Noon to 1 p.m. Friday, April 23.
- 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 27.
Register online to receive the Zoom link prior to the start of each meeting time.
As co-hosts and conveners of the Coffman Leadership Institute, the Staley School of Leadership Studies has been proud to partner with Human Capital Services to develop and facilitate professional and leadership development programming for Kansas State faculty and staff. These spaces are an important opportunity for our campus community to continue critical discussions around racial justice in our country.
If you have students interested in finding a space to process the trial, the office of Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs is hosting a series of engagement opportunities to assist students during these difficult and trying times, along with a vigil/moment of silence and solidarity in the Ray Dempsey Plaza at the Morris Family Multicultural Student Center at 3 p.m. Friday, April 23.
To complement these sessions, the Staley School of Leadership Studies will host virtual gatherings for students who are needing space to connect with each other and process the results of the trial and the injustice that our communities across the country are facing. Direct students to register online for future information as these meetings are scheduled.
For questions, please email Mary Tolar, director of the Staley School, at mtolar@k-state.edu.