Community Preparation and Care

Apr 16, 2021

Dear Grinnellians,

I write to you today as our community prepares for the conclusion of the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. We expect the jury will reach a verdict sometime in the coming days. Just as we were so profoundly affected with pain and grief by the horror of George Floyd’s death nearly a year ago, soon we will be impacted by the outcome of this trial.

For many, the trauma of what happened on May 25, 2020 when George Floyd was killed in police custody is as painful now as it was then, if not more so after learning Sunday that 20-year-old Daunte Wright was killed by a police officer less than 12 miles from the spot where Mr. Floyd died. We may hope a verdict in the Chauvin trial will provide some degree of accountability and legal justice, but neither can change the fact of George Floyd’s death or lessen the incalculable loss to his family and friends. Neither will a verdict alone address ongoing racial injustices.

Whatever the outcome of this trial we will no doubt be saturated with news reports and analysis, and I encourage you to be informed and thoughtful participants in that larger dialogue. As we work individually and collectively to process unfolding events, I also urge you to take time for self-care and awareness, being mindful that our ongoing sense of isolation from each other during the pandemic may serve to heighten our anguish. I ask that you actively support each other and seek additional help as you need it in the moment or in the future, from the resources available to you listed below.

With thanks to Vice President Schvalla Rivera and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I draw your attention to “Processing Racial Fatigue Dialogue” on Wednesday, April 21 from noon to 1 p.m. CT, creating time and space for processing and acknowledging the stressors that come as a result of the racialized experiences of BIPOC individuals. Please see below for further information.

We know that the struggle for social justice is never easy, but it will go on and it will make a difference. As Grinnellians, we have always been enriched and empowered by the diversity of our community, nurtured on campus and spread throughout the world. Grinnellians are agents of change in service to the common good. I am in admiration of all who steadfastly care for our students and each other, and for all who carry on the work of living out the College’s mission of social responsibility.

With care and gratitude,

Anne

Anne F. Harris
President

Support Resources

Processing Racial Fatigue Dialogue: hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

When: Wednesday, April 21, from Noon to 1 p.m.

During this WebEx meeting we will be intentional in discussing and processing racial fatigue. The goal of this session is to give time and space for processing and acknowledging the stressors that come as a result of the racialized experiences of BIPOC individuals. This session is student-centered; however, the entire Grinnell College Community is welcome to join. Please use the following link to join WebEx meeting:

https://grinnellcollege.webex.com/grinnellcollege/j.php?MTID=mdb662fda1d19e742a32b5211ba6f213b

Resources for students:

If you Need to Talk (emergency counseling support) you can call 641-269-4404 and reach a counselor all hours of the day and night.
You can access virtual counseling through HealthiestYou (College insurance) or Virtual Care (non-College insurance).
If you are in Iowa, you may access our SHAW counselors by calling 641-269-3230.
BIPOC students in Iowa may also access the BIPOC Voices Counseling Group at SHAW.
Please call 641-269-4600 to reach campus safety for on-call staff support.
Dedicated staff colleagues at CRSSJ <crssj@grinnell.edu>, Intercultural Affairs <ica@grinnell.edu>, and International Student Affairs <oisa@grinnell.edu> are available regardless of location.

Resources for or faculty and staff:

You may access counseling support through EAP or by contacting the University of Iowa at 319-535-0437 (leave a voicemail) or by emailing uitptc.com

Affinity group meetings:

Black Men’s Group: Men of Color Empowered and Engaged (meeting Fridays at noon) student centered space, open to faculty/staff/students, contact Vrinda Varia for WebEx link
Black Womxn’s Group (meeting Fridays at noon) student centered space, open to faculty/staff/students, contact Vrinda Varia for WebEx link