On April 20, 2021 President Iuliano sent a message to the campus community recognizing the impact of the Chauvin trial and providing information about support resources and upcoming events.
Dear Members of the Gettysburg College Community,
Like many of you, I have been closely following the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder and manslaughter after forcibly pressing his knee against George Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes last May. As you may have seen, the verdict is expected later today.
From the moment the video of Mr. Floyd’s killing went public, the country, indeed much of the world, has been engaged in an urgent and essential examination of issues of racism, racial justice, and the role of police in society. The emotions provoked by the case, and events like it across the country, are profound, real, and raw, and there is no doubt that those emotions will intensify when the jury delivers its verdict—especially for our Black and underrepresented students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The College is committed to helping provide support to the members of our community.
For students, the Black Student Union and the Student Senate are working with administrators to plan two events. The goal is to create space in which students can come together to share their reactions to the verdict in a moderated space.
Students interested in speaking with a professional are encouraged to connect with Counseling Services at 717-337-6960. Faculty and staff may choose to utilize the College’s Employee Assistance Program, provided by WellSpan, or reach out to Human Resources at hr@gettysburg.edu or 717-337-6202. Our Office of Multicultural Engagement (OME) and Office of Diversity & Inclusion are also valued campus resources for students and employees alike to have structured conversations.
For employees, the Human Resources department is planning to bring in a facilitator to help moderate a dialogue. In addition, employees should use the resources through the Employee Assistance Program if they need individual support.
In the next few days, Religious and Spiritual Life will share information for a campus-wide prayer service. The service will provide us with a forum to gather together as a community and to reflect on the complex emotions and somber realities we, as a college and country, must confront.
More information about these events and how to join will be forthcoming. I hope you will join us.
Sincerely,
Bob Iuliano
President