Dear Members of the Barnard Community,
It is difficult to capture all that we are feeling after the released footage and news coverage of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five police officers in Memphis. We witness such a violent, senseless act — yet again. We grieve the death of another young Black person who should be alive today. We want to share our deepest condolences to every person affected by this horrific killing.
It is incumbent upon all of us at Barnard to denounce anti-Black violence in all its forms, and to interrogate and address the conditions that allow these profound injustices to continue. Barnard has a place for you whether you want to be in community; to listen, learn, and be in dialogue; to receive supportive services like counseling; or to join with others in peaceful protest and changemaking. Below are some initial places for you to convene this week — and over the coming days, we will share more information about additional discussions and spaces to process. Please also let us know what you feel would be helpful on campus by emailing healthandwellness@barnard.edu.
Student Community Circles:
Barnard is setting up spaces for students to convene and listen over the coming weeks. Furman will hold a campus-wide community circle this Thursday, February 2 at 6:00 p.m.; please check the registration form later this week for the exact location. Furman will also host a community circle for students of color this Wednesday, February 1, at 5:00 p.m. Beverages and snacks will be provided at both. Please access the optional registration forms here.
Discussion on Campus:
“Narratives of What Now: Thinking of Tyre Nichols,” from 12 to 2 p.m. on Friday, February 10. Professors Yvette Christiansë and Jennie Kassanoff and colleagues will facilitate a conversation with students, faculty and staff that seeks to help unpack and contextualize the state violence that killed Tyre Nichols. This will be the first of a series of conversations and workshops in partnership between the DEI Office and campus partners, such as BCRW, for our community to learn and process together. Please register for the event here.
Whether you are a student, faculty, or staff member, Barnard has support services you can access at any time. Students can go to the Furman Counseling Center at 100 Hewitt Hall during the week, or call 212-854-2092 or email counseling@barnard.edu. The after-hours Psychological Emergency Line is 855-622-1903. Students who need non-emergency support can contact CARES Response at 212-854-3362. International SOS at +1-215-942-8478 is available for students who are abroad. Staff and faculty can access our Employee Assistance Program through Health Advocate by calling 877-240-6863, or HR can assist with access to these and other resources.
Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones in the coming days.
Yours in solidarity,
Marina Catallozzi, MD, MSCE
Vice President of Health and Wellness
Chief Health Officer
Leslie Grinage, EdD
Vice President for Campus Life and Student Experience and Dean of the College
Jennifer Rosales, PhD
Vice President for Inclusion and Engaged Learning, and Chief Diversity Officer