A Reminder of “Processing Racial Fatigue Dialogue” in the Wake of Chauvin Trial Verdict

Apr 21, 2021

Dear Grinnellians,

I write to you today, after former police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of all three charges he faced for the murder of George Floyd, to acknowledge the range of reactions and emotions in the wake of this swift verdict.

I am grateful that Vice President Schvalla Rivera and members of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have planned a “Processing Racial Fatigue Dialogue” today (Wednesday, April 21), from noon to 1 p.m. CT. This opportunity for dialogue is being offered in order to create time and space for processing and acknowledging the stressors that come as a result of the racialized experiences of BIPOC individuals. The session is student-centered; however, the entire Grinnell College Community is welcome to join. I urge you to take part, as you are able, by using the “Processing Racial Fatigue Dialogue” Webex link.

Beyond today’s dialogue event, I want to encourage you once more to provide support for each other and to seek help as you need it, now or in the days to come. More details about some of those resources follow below.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison reminded the world that this historic verdict is not an ending but one more marker of progress along the way in a difficult journey. He stated: “I would not call today’s verdict justice … because justice implies true restoration, but it is accountability, which is the first step toward justice … This verdict reminds us that we must make enduring, systemic, societal change.”

I am in admiration of the Grinnellian community’s spirit of commitment and care that grows stronger in the face of challenges. And I am humbled by all of you who both mourn the death of George Floyd and honor his life by drawing the connections between activism, our efforts, and social change.

With care and resolve,

Anne

Anne F. Harris

President

Support Resources

Resources for students:

If you Need to Talk (emergency counseling support) you can call 641-269-4404 and reach a counselor all hours of the day and night.
You can access virtual counseling through HealthiestYou (College insurance) or Virtual Care (non-College insurance).
If you are in Iowa, you may access our SHAW counselors by calling 641-269-3230.
BIPOC students in Iowa may also access the BIPOC Voices Counseling Group at SHAW.
Please call 641-269-4600 to reach campus safety for on-call staff support.
Dedicated staff colleagues at CRSSJ, Intercultural Affairs, and International Student Affairs are available regardless of location.

Resources for or faculty and staff:

You may access counseling support through EAP
or by contacting the University of Iowa at 319-535-0437 (leave a voicemail)
or by emailing uitptc.com

Affinity group meetings:

Black Men’s Group: Men of Color Empowered and Engaged (meeting Fridays at noon) student-centered space, open to faculty/staff/students, contact Vrinda Varia for Webex link
Black Womxn’s Group (meeting Fridays at noon) student-centered space, open to faculty/staff/students, contact Vrinda Varia for Webex link