Dear Marquette community,
Last Friday, the world was made witness to the killing of Tyre Nichols, a young Black man who was brutally beaten to death by five police officers in Memphis earlier this month. Our hearts break for the Nichols family who have lost their beloved father, son and brother. Tyre should still be with them today. Instead, we must now add his name to the countless other young Black men and women whose lives have been taken senselessly and unjustly.
Tyre’s death also stands against a backdrop of violence in this country that is becoming all too commonplace. Ever more troubling is that this violence continues to occur primarily in marginalized communities. The most recent U.S. mass shootings took place among people known to be African American, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and Pan-Asian. They too must now be added to the list of diverse communities and people permanently scarred by violence. We grieve for every life that has been lost.
As a Catholic, Jesuit university, Marquette is committed to forming our students to “Be The Difference” our world needs. This mission calls us to transform the darkness, hatred and violence in this world into light, fellowship and peace. This is the labor of justice grounded in faith. This is a mission we can only achieve together, supporting one another in the face of this renewed trauma to our national soul, and finding the courage to continue toward the healing our world needs.
We also recognize the traumatic impact repeated acts of violence can have on people, as individuals and as members of a community. We understand that these moments often impact us differently. Some of us will be carrying much deeper pain, grief, sadness or fear than others. Let us lean carefully into one another and show each other the compassion, kindness, and understanding needed to navigate the difficult days ahead.
Above all, please know that you are not alone. We strongly encourage you to seek out the support that is available to you here at Marquette. These resources include:
- Campus Ministry
- Counseling Center
- Center for Engagement & Inclusion
- Educational Opportunity Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Faber Center
As opportunities for discussion and community support are created, they will be shared with our campus community. In the meantime, please take care of yourself and one another.
In community,
Dr. Christine Navia
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
Rev. James Voiss, S.J.
Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs