Yet another senseless tragedy

This evening, Memphis authorities released video depicting the violence leading to the death of Tyre Nichols.

Once again, we as a society and as a University community must grapple with the tragic loss of a Black man who, according to authorities, died following a brutal beating at the hands of police officers during a traffic stop.

Five Memphis police officers have been fired and charged with second-degree murder in the death of the 29-year-old.

The release of the graphic video is certain to cause emotional and mental distress for many, including within the Rowan community.

The pain, heartbreak, anger, disgust, anguish, helplessness and other emotions many of us feel may bring us back to the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, which thrust our country into what many have called a “racial reckoning.” It’s a reminder that, even now, we all have much work to do to achieve a just and safe society for everyone. 

We’re here for you

Please know that we are here for you. From the Wellness Center to Public Safety to Student Life to the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we have resources in place to help you work through this difficult time.

Additionally, we remain diligent as we continue to work together to strengthen our relationships with local law enforcement agencies through our Law Enforcement and Community Collaborative and through the ongoing efforts of our Multicultural Student Group leaders and Rowan Public Safety.

The loss of another human life in such a senseless way affects us all. In the coming days, as the country learns more details about this tragedy, we urge our University community to be sensitive, to listen, and to care for each other and ourselves. For some, that may require learning more about this incident, thinking deeply and gathering information from a wide variety of reliable news sources. Others may need to take a break from the news or social media to protect their well-being.        

Protests and gatherings, large and small, will likely be held nationally and locally. We stand ready to help our community—individuals and groups—heal and help others.

Tony Lowman, Ph.D.

Provost

Monika Williams Shealey, Ph.D.

Senior Vice President, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Kevin S. Koett, Ed.D.

Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students

Michael Kantner

Assistant Vice President, Public Safety