The nation has closely watched the proceedings of the trial against Derek Chauvin for the unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter of George Floyd. We recognize that the guilty verdict administered yesterday—just shy of the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death and the wide-spread BLM protests—has stirred up a mixture of complicated emotions that are underscored by the tension and volatility in our country that we have been enduring for some time.
We want to remind students that there are a number of trained professionals on campus that are a resource to you to process your feelings:
Counseling and psychological services and resources for students. The counseling staff that works with students recognizes the grief, sorrow, anger, pain, and trauma that Black students and students of color and their families may be experiencing. You can learn more and immediately access some resources here.
Wellness resources for students include BIPOC-specific programming, such as a virtual event scheduled for this evening at 6 pm, a Public Health and BIPOC Communities Chat. Find a schedule of upcoming Wellness & Prevention Services programs here.
The University Ombuds Office provides an independent, confidential environment for faculty, staff, and students of the Appalachian community to discuss campus-related concerns or problems.
In the words of our Chancellor, “We all want to live in a world where justice is real, where justice truly is for all, and where diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued and not divisive”. We remain hopeful that there will be brighter skies ahead of us.