EASTON, Mass. (April 21, 2021) - The Stonehill Athleics Task Force to Address Racial Injustice has made the following statement in response to Tuesday's verdict in the George Floyd murder trail.
The life of George Floyd and his murder last May unified people worldwide in the fight against systemic racism. While yesterday's verdict provides a measure of justice for George Floyd and his family, it does not end the ongoing need to actively promote equity, address racial injustices in our community and identify opportunities to take action.
Stonehill Athletics pledges to support people of marginalized communities and actively combat racism in thoughts, words, and actions. We understand that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. In seeking a more just and compassionate world we must think, act, and lead as one. Together we are stronger, our voices will be heard, and we encourage you to stand with us in combatting racism.
Resources:
Members from Academic Affairs, Campus Ministry, Human Resources, Intercultural Affairs, Students in Action, and Student Affairs are finalizing plans to hold a virtual space for processing and discussion. Specific details regarding this event and the registration link are forthcoming and all are welcome to attend.
We want to once again acknowledge that as our nation bears witness to this recent verdict, ongoing incidents of social injustice, violence, and racism in our country and around the world continue to have negative and traumatic impacts for our students, faculty, and staff. We express our grief, sorrow, and compassion to all those who have and continue to be impacted by the race-based tragedies occurring across our nation.
Given the impact this trauma can have on mental health and wellbeing, please be reminded of resources that our BIPOC community members and allies may wish to utilize during this time:
- Counseling Services has developed a web page with resources for specific BIPOC identity groups, resources on racial trauma, and resources for allies.
- For students seeking support to process their reactions and feelings, Counseling Services is here to support you. Appointments can be scheduled with a Counseling Services clinician by calling 508-565-1331, Option 1. Please keep in mind that 24/7 support by phone is available all day, every day and students can access this urgent support by calling our 24/7 Support Line at 508-565-1331, Option 2.
- For employees seeking emotional support, please reach out to our Employee Assistance Program, New Directions, at www.ndbh.com (company code is Stonehill College) or at 1-800-624-5544.
Let us continue to support one another and work towards healing, peace, and justice for our country.
Stonehill's Athletic Task Force to Address Racial Injustice was formed during the summer of 2020 by Director of Athletics Dean O'Keefe, '94 as a first step in response to renewed attention on the unacceptable acts of systemic and institutional racism in our country. The Task Force will be comprised of student-athletes, coaches, athletic staff and faculty to promote equity, address those racial injustices in our community and to create forums for conversation, identify opportunities to take action, collaborate community members on various initiatives and advocate for the resources necessary to act.
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