The below message was sent by President Cassidy on Oct. 27, 2020
To the ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ Community:
Another young Black man, Walter Wallace, Jr., was shot and killed by police yesterday in our own city of Philadelphia. I grieve the senseless and terrible loss of this young man – a death that is not an isolated incident. It is part of a pattern of systemic racism that is embedded in our social structures, policies, and culture. I know, too, that the burden of grief and outrage does not fall on us all equally. Many in our community are suffering from trauma and exhaustion in the wake of this repeated systemic violence, especially Black students, faculty, staff, and alumnae/i. In addition, many of our faculty and staff reside in West Philadelphia and are experiencing their community’s pain and outrage.
I know that protests are taking place; for those considering whether to participate, I encourage that safety be top of mind.
To all of our students, I remind you to take advantage of the resources at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ that support you best, whether that is your dean, your friends, your faith leader, our Career and Civic Engagement Office’s opportunities for activism, or a counselor at the Health and Wellness Center. To all members of our community, I ask that we hold one another in the light, especially those of us feeling hurt, anger, and exhaustion most acutely.
Sincerely,
Kim Cassidy