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From: Office of Institutional Diversity

OSU Community Members,

This morning, a jury in Glynn County, Georgia found three white men guilty of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery on Feb. 23, 2020. All three men face additional federal hate crime charges.

This killing, and many like it, have deeply impacted Black community members within Oregon State University, and Black communities throughout Oregon. For Black community members, each death is a reminder of the everyday risks of performing normal tasks – opening a front door, driving a car, going jogging – that can end in tragedy. Videos of violence and minute-by-minute media coverage frequently obscure the humanity of Black community members, who are reduced to footage and portrayals in legal proceedings, and then seemingly forgotten. The strain created by this cycle is physical, mental, spiritual and long lasting.

Today, please show care and grace for those who may be suffering and in pain. Cultivate empathy, and provide space and time for grieving, including for yourselves if you are impacted.

For those seeking support and community, information regarding supportive spaces on the Corvallis and Cascades campuses will be posted in the coming days online here. OSU students on the Corvallis campus needing additional support may contact Counseling and Psychological Services. Students on the Cascades campus may contact counseling services. University employees may contact Beyond Benefits. 

Looking ahead, we must remain steadfastly committed to creating safer, more equitable communities within OSU and across the state. Our resolve to eliminate racism advances the university’s mission, reflects our community’s values and involves every OSU community member. Find ways to learn more and get involved.

Please take care and have a safe long weekend.

Sincerely,

Scott A. Vignos

Interim Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Send Date: 
Monday, December 13, 2021