Dear TC Community Members,

Last Friday evening, Memphis officials released video depicting the beating of Tyre Nichols by five police officers after a traffic stop. Tyre died three days after this senseless, violent act due to the severity of his injuries. There are no words to properly express the horror of the footage and murder. My heart breaks for Tyre, his loved ones, his community and for all of us, who are forced to reckon, again and again, with the disproportionate threats and murders that Black individuals face from law enforcement.

Tyre’s murder, the video release and the protests that followed bring up understandably intense feelings of grief, outrage and fear. The Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs will be hosting a Community Support Gathering in Everett Lounge on Wednesday, February 1 at 12:00 pm (in-person). As always, if you need any support during this difficult time, resources are available (see respective links for students and employees and spiritual resources).

Let us take care of one another during this difficult time as we redouble our pursuit of equity and justice.

In solidarity,

Thomas Bailey