Division News & Statements
Message from President Philomena Mantella
January 30, 2023
Dear GVSU Community,
Over the past few weeks, our nation
has grappled with the continued impact of violence in communities of
color. My heart continues to go out to those trying to make sense of
the violence in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California,
this month.
On Friday, the public could see the horrific video footage of the
killing of Tyre Nichols by police officers in Memphis. His death
leaves a void that cannot be filled and is a tragic reminder of the
realities of systemic racism and violence that people of color
continue to face.
Such a disregard for human life fills me,
and I’m sure many of you, with deep concern and sadness. Our Black
community is undoubtedly acutely affected and may be facing anxiety
and fear. As we strive to provide a safe and supportive environment
for all community members, we cannot help but be impacted by these incidents.
I am asking all of you to lead with compassion and care.
Supervisors, managers and unit heads, please take a moment to check in
with colleagues. I urge faculty and staff to connect with students,
particularly students of color, to extend both personal and
institutional support.
Remember we have a wealth of
resources to support our community in difficult times. Students can
make appointments with the University Counseling Center online or by phone
at (616) 331-3266. Self-help resources are also available for
students. The Employee Assistance Program, Encompass, provides confidential and professional
mental health resources for employees and their family members. Our
diverse faculty and staff can connect with colleagues through affinity groups.
Tyre’s life and the
lives lost in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay matter. We must honor
their memory by acting at every level of society and in all our
organizations to create a more equitable environment. I am committed
to building a culture of educational equity at Grand Valley supported
by the Inclusion and Equity Action and Accountability
Leadership Team. I expect and urge the deliberate and swift
action we have committed to across our divisions and colleges to
continue with urgency as we journey toward a more just society.
As Lakers, I know you will continue to care for one another today and
every day, and together we can lead the way.
Sincerely,
Philomena V. Mantella, President