Dear Colleagues and Friends,
We are saddened and angered by the recent violence fueled by white supremacy and racism in Buffalo, Laguna Woods, and Dallas. We honor those who lost their lives. We grieve with those who lost loved ones and all who are impacted by the trauma of these events. We stand firmly in our continued commitment to active antiracism education and action through our Understanding Systemic Racism program.
These events are a frank reminder of the most glaring impact of racism as a public health crisis, which WUSM has pledged to address. Members of the WUSM Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are available to lead or assist in facilitating conversations around these tragic events and the toxic ideologies that drive them.
We call on all members of our community, particularly our white community members, to step forward and speak up as allies against racism and all forms of discrimination. We ask that people check in on one another and afford each other grace and compassion.
To our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members, we acknowledge this further erosion of our collective sense of safety – please reach out if you need to talk, express emotions, or simply hold quiet space; we support you in taking time for self-care and reflection.
We have several upcoming programs dedicated to anti-racism discussions, support and action, including (click link for more info and to register):
- 5/19 – Special Perspectives: Mindful Connections
- 5/23 – Book Discussion – Dying of Whiteness Part 3: Kansas Government Programs #1
- 5/24 – The American Dream Deferred: One Japanese American Family’s Incarceration during WWII
- 5/26 – Community Discussions: WUSM’s Commitment to Anti-Racism Statement – we are hosting these sessions twice a month for the remainder of 2022
WUSM offers many other resources for support, including:
- WUSM Mental health services: hr.wustl.edu/well-being/mental-health/
- Work-Life Solutions (previously Employee Assistance Program): 844-365-4587
- GME counseling services: gme.wustl.edu/wellness/gme-wellness-counseling/
- Student counseling services: wusmhealth.wustl.edu/students/mental-health-information/counseling/
For those struggling to talk with their children or family members, there are tremendous community resources available, including:
In Solidarity,
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Washington University School of Medicine