A message of support and resources for TU community

On Saturday, Jan 28., Vice President of Inclusion and Institutional Equity Patricia Bradley, Vice President of Student Affairs Vernon Hurte and Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Melanie Perreault sent the following email offering support to the Towson University community following the public release of video showing the violent arrest and death of a Memphis man.

Dear TU students, faculty & staff,

On Friday evening, video was publicly released that shows Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, dying at the hands of Memphis police officers earlier this month. Five Memphis officers have since been fired and charged in Nichols’ death.

The video evokes many emotions, not unlike those we’ve felt after similar videos of violence in recent years. We echo the messages of dismay and grief of so many others around Maryland and the United States, and we join our community and university partners in holding space for students, faculty and staff to share their grief and address their trauma.

In advance of the spring semester, which begins this week, we write to you today to share the number of on-campus opportunities and resources to support our community members during this difficult time:

• Beginning Monday, the Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity and the Division of Student Affairs will provide students with space to process and reflect on these events. The Center for Student Diversity and Student Success Programs suite, located in the University Union, will be available to meet with any student impacted by this news from noon to 2 p.m. If you would like to talk about what you’ve seen and heard, there will be staff available to listen.
• On Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity and the Division of Academic Affairs will hold space in the same location for staff, faculty and student community dialogue.
• At any time, you may also reach out to the Office for Inclusion and Institutional Equity at 410-704-0203 or oiie@towson.edu.
• As always, mental health resources are available for students with same day appointments through the University Counseling Center at 410-704-2512. Staff and faculty are encouraged to take advantage of 24/7 crisis counseling and support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 855-410-7628.

Every day, but especially when fear, hatred and violence impact our community, Tigers stand together to support each other with caring and compassion. We are grateful to all our colleagues and students who come together to ensure that our community feels both supported and safe. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another, and please reach out for the support we offer. 

Sincerely,

Patricia C. Bradley
Vice President, Inclusion and Institutional Equity

Vernon Hurte, Ph.D.
Vice President, Student Affairs

Melanie Perreault, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs