Dear Campus Community:
The project of Whittier College is a unique one that all of us, as members of this College community, commit to every day—to live and work amongst an incredibly diverse community of scholars dedicated to creating a space of inclusivity and equity.
Yet, around the country, violence against Black people continues. The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Christian Cooper, Ahmaud Arbery, and many more who have not gained local nor national attention, shine light on the racism and police brutality occurring in the U.S. Compounding the pain and anger felt over these deaths is the horrible treatment by law enforcement of protestors in various cities.
Our nation is in crisis. Healing this wound will take time and energy—400 years of racism, hate, murder, and destruction is not easily solved.
Those of us in Student Life understand how difficult it can be to live in this chaos and we want to help our students get through this difficult time. In particular, to our Black students, colleagues, friends, and families, we see you, and we acknowledge the deep pain, anger, sadness, and trauma that exists. You matter to us. We stand by you. We care for you.
As we all grieve, mourn, organize, take action, and support each other, Whittier College is here to support you.
If you need us, please reach out. Expect us to be in contact with all of you. Know that we are working on ways to better our community. Our curriculums will change—both inside and outside the classroom; our systems, structures, and strategies will change; our community culture will change. We will be a better, more equitable institution.
We are organizing events and activities for our community:
Healing Circle for the Black Community
June 2020 TBA
Only for Black students, staff, and faculty
Email oei@whittier.edu for the Zoom link
Addressing Anti-Blackness
A reflective dialogue about actions we need to collectively take to support the Black community.
Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 4 p.m.
For non-Black students, staff, and faculty
Zoom Meeting information was emailed to students, faculty, and staff
In the coming weeks, we will be hosting additional opportunities to gather, talk, and try to process what is happening around our country.
We all have the responsibility to stand for justice and work for equity.
Resources for the Whittier College Community
Dean of Students Office
deanofstudents@whittier.edu
Office of Equity and Inclusion
oei@whittier.edu
Whittier College Counseling Center
Click here for support and resources
Whittier College BIAS Reporting Form
This form is designed to provide students, faculty, and staff an online method to report specific information related to an alleged incident(s) of discrimination or bias.
Mental Health Resources for Black Students
Be an Active Ally
Activism comes in different forms: It is understandable that not everyone can physically participate in the protests. There are numerous other ways to make an impactful contribution, including, but not limited to: calling representatives and lawmakers, signing petitions, donating to organizations that uplift the Black community, and self-education.
Check out this Black Lives Matter resource page to find ways that you can help nationwide.
Educate yourself to be anti-racist:
