Division News & Statements
VP Bernal & Chief Freeman: Recent National Tragedies
July 08, 2016
Dear Campus Community,
The loss of life in the last 48 hours has once again sparked dialogue about the value of Black lives and the violence the Black community faces in our country. This is a time of deep mourning and sympathy for those who continue to be impacted by devastating grief and, often, fear. In response, we continue to strongly affirm that Black lives matter at Grand Valley State University and everywhere in our country.
As the news developed overnight, we are also deeply saddened by the targeting and loss of life of police officers in Dallas. We care about the safety and well-being of our own officers in this moment. As President Obama stated in his address to the nation last evening, this does not mean that blue lives do not matter.
Today, we write to you jointly, as the University’s Vice President for Inclusion and Equity and Chief of Police. Because of our own racial and ethnic identities, we cannot begin to understand what members of our own Black community may be experiencing now and during the countless other similar incidents that have occurred in both recent and historic moments. What we can do is affirm our campus commitment to inclusion and equity and do everything in our power to ensure these values are infused into every aspect of campus life, while working to affect change in the broader society. We have much to overcome regarding systemic and institutional racial inequality and oppression, particularly with our Black community.
The Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD) continues to support
ongoing efforts to develop the cultural knowledge and sensitivity of
its officers and staff, as do others on campus in accordance with our
University’s strategic priority – to become more inclusive and
diverse. In partnership, the GVPD and the Division of Inclusion and
Equity are committed to ensuring our officers are engaged members of
the campus community. Specifically, we are working to strengthen the
relationship GVPD has with students, staff and
faculty, especially those from diverse and underrepresented
backgrounds. A joint advisory council is forming to focus on
campus policing. The advisory council will review and recommend
necessary enhancements to current practices, support development of
education and training, and advise on how we create more meaningful
relationships with the officers who work to protect all members of our community.
We are heartbroken by the continued loss of life and want to inform our entire University community that resources and support are provided throughout the summer, even if you are not on campus.
- The University Counseling Center is available to students for a drop-in appointment or by phone. Summer hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Counseling Center is located in the Student Services Building, room 204, (616) 331-3266.
- The Division of Inclusion and Equity Social Justice Centers (Office of Multicultural Affairs, Women’s Center, Disability Support Resources Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, and Interfaith Resources) are open throughout the summer and are also available to provide support for students, staff and faculty. For questions or more information, contact [email protected] or (616) 331-3296. Others, of course, are available as needed.
- Employees who need support and resources are encouraged to use the GVSU employee assistance program, Encompass, or by calling 800-788-8630.
- GVPD Community Policing officers are available for informal meetings and discussions. For more information see https://www.gvsu.edu/gvpd/community-policing-52.htm.
- If you or anyone you know is experiencing an emergency or in need of immediate attention, please call 9-1-1.
Sincerely,
Jesse M. Bernal, Vice President for Inclusion and Equity
Renee Freeman, Chief of Police