To our campus community:

The recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia have been disturbing and distressing to many in our campus community.

Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the young woman who was murdered, and the loved ones of the police officers who lost their lives in a helicopter crash, as well as those who were brutally injured during the events of this past weekend.  

Fascism, Nazi salutes and flags, white supremacy and hatred of Jewish persons, racial minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants were prominent during these protests.

The Pat Walker Health Center deplores and strongly opposes hatred, bigotry, racism, violence, and terrorism, all of which are incompatible with the ideals of our helping professions.

We advocate for inclusion, diversity, multi-culturalism, and social justice by striving to attend to the impact of oppression and privilege in our society. We strive to provide a place where emotional and complex issues can be discussed in a non-judgmental, empathic environment.

We feel this is the only way to create a campus community that truly values inclusiveness, achievement, and advancement for a diverse and empowered student body.

Elie Wiesel, the Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor stated, “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor. Never the victim.”

Students who are distressed by these recent events – and any other issues –  are invited to come to the Pat Walker Health Center and Counseling and Psychological Services to discuss their feelings. We will care for each other now and always.

 

Sincerely,

Mary Alice Serafini, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Executive Director of Pat Walker Health Center

Josette Cline, Ph.D., Director of Counseling & Psychological Services