Dear Wright State Community,
I know that many are emotionally devastated following the news this weekend of senseless shootings at a grocery in Buffalo and at salons in Dallas. In each of these incidents, investigators initially shared that the attacks appear to be motivated by hate.
Hate and racism have absolutely no place in society or at Wright State University.
We stand in support and solidarity with our friends, colleagues, and students from our African American and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities during these difficult times. We understand that many are justifiably scared and do not feel safe following these events and others in recent months. Your fears are not invisible to me nor to our university.
We would like to remind you all that it is our responsibility to stand together as a community against all forms of racial violence and intolerance. It is our role to promote equity, inclusion, and social justice.
On our campuses and in our communities, diversity is and always will be one of our greatest strengths. Our diversity of thought, culture, background, and experiences fuel our community’s ability to thrive in uncertain times, consider thought-provoking opinions without incident, and nurture one another when confronted by great challenges.
Here at Wright State, we have resources available to assist you. I encourage anyone who feels the need to reach out to these campus resources to provide you with support, compassion, and understanding.
Wright State students can seek confidential support services through Counseling and Wellness Services by calling 937-775-3407. You can call Raider Cares, a 24-hour crisis phone service, at 937-775-4567. You also have access to a Crisis Text Line that offers 24-hour, seven-day per week text contact with trained crisis counselors, by texting "LISTEN" to 741-741.
Students and employees may also reach out to the Division of Inclusive Excellence and its associate culture and identity centers at wright.edu/inclusive-excellence or at 937-775-2087.
Wright State’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides support services for all employees, regardless of benefit eligibility. EAP services are provided at no cost to employees and include 24/7 telephone access to licensed and experienced counselors, as well as work/life balance services. Call 800-227-6007 or visit the Impact Solutions website at myimpactsolution.com. Use member username: WrightState with password: Raiderup!
We will never fail when we support one another and face our challenges together.
Sue
