Body: 

From: Division of Student Affairs

Dear OSU Community Members,

As you likely are hearing through national news, five former Memphis police officers were indicted Thursday on murder charges for their role in what has been described as a brutal attack of Tyre Nichols during a Jan. 7 traffic stop.

We understand that a video of the arrest and attack will be released later today. It has been described by Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis as “heinous, reckless and inhumane” conduct by the five arresting officers, who have since been terminated.

While we have not yet seen the video, based on its description, we expect that seeing the brutality inflicted against Tyre Nichols by these police officers will horrify, hurt and provoke anger. We encourage members of the OSU community to take care of your wellbeing over the coming difficult days.

We currently are, and will continue to be, in conversation with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members offering support, space and resources. For members of the Black and African American community at OSU, these incidents, individually and collectively, are terrible burdens to bear. In the immediate term, our goal will be to provide collective support and strength. 

As we learn more about the arrest and Tyre Nichols’ death, we will continue working as a community to provide care and support. Please reach out to university offices and your communities for assistance and stay engaged with each other as we process this terrible tragedy.

In the days and week ahead, we will share more about opportunities to engage, reflect, learn and gather.

Sincerely, Dan Larson, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Senior Advisor to the Provost for Operations

Scott Vignos, Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Institutional Diversity

Send Date: 
Friday, January 27, 2023