Dear Members of the Kent State University Community,
These past few weeks, we have watched the coverage of the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged in the May 2020 death of George Floyd. We have also watched as Adam Toledo, Daunte Wright and other people of color have been killed by police.
Their deaths are heartbreaking reminders of the chronic and systemic racism and racial violence that plague our country. Our core values demand that we continue to step up to do everything in our power to be a part of the conversation and to act to end the racial violence and racial inequality that have plagued our communities throughout history and our campus all too recently.
No matter the outcome of the trial, Kent State is committed to working toward being a university that focuses on dismantling anti-Black racism. We will continue the work to eradicate the social ill that is racism.
We will begin to implement the recommendations of our Anti-Racism Task Force, and we are in the middle of developing our diversity strategic plan that will reach into every corner of university life to find ways to make Kent State a more equitable and inclusive institution.
Student mental health support and resources can be accessed on the Step Up and Speak Out website or by contacting Counseling and Psychological Services at 330-672-2487. Mental health services are available to faculty and staff through IMPACT Solutions, our employee assistance program.
We know that our work is vitally important, and we will find real solutions.
Sincerely,
Todd Diacon
President