Message to KU Campus from Drs. Hawkinson, Hilton & McCargo on Derek Chauvin/George Floyd Trial

Updated 4:38 p.m.

Dear KU Campus Community,  

With the announcement of the verdict coming sometime this evening, we want to give time and space for our campus community to process whatever the outcome may be. However, without knowing the exact time, there are adjustments to the announcement sent out earlier today. 

TODAY, Tuesday, April 20 @ 8:30 p.m. 

8:30 p.m. - Let's Talk Session - VIA ZOOM.
This will be an online space for people to discuss, learn, and heal - but also come together to be with community and each other.  

https://kutztown.zoom.us/j/95784061407?pwd=bUtpanIzeGExNnltUDNqdnV5MTBNQT09 

Meeting ID: 957 8406 1407 

Passcode: Unity 

TOMMOROW, Wednesday, April 21 

5 p.m. - Let's Talk Session - Multicultural Center.  

We want to create a space for people to discuss, learn, and heal - but also come together be with community and each other. 

7 p.m. – Multi-faith Prayer Vigil – Memorial/Bell Plaza (between Stratton and Old Main)   

We will have a multi-faith prayer vigil the day that the verdict is handed down. We plan to begin at 7 p.m. and end at 7:45 p.m. Plan to come, bring an LED candle, bring your prayers, wear a mask and bring flowers or other offerings if you would like.   

SAFE SPACES - All of our Inclusion and Diversity Centers are open for students who need a safe space to be with friends, seek support, or be with your thoughts. The Women's Center and Veteran's Services Center are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Multicultural Center and LGBTQ+ Resource Centers are also open those same hours, but also stay open later into the early evening Monday through Thursday.  

If you need crisis counseling, please contact Counseling and Psychological Service (CPS) or Service Access & Management (SAM). CPS can be contacted during regular business hours (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at 610-683-4072. ​When CPS is closed, please contact SAM, Berks County's 24-hour crisis intervention hotline at 610-236-0530.

KU Office of University Relations 

2:30 p.m.

Dear KU Campus Community,

As the trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-police officer accused of the murder of George Floyd, nears a conclusion, many members of the KU family are dealing with strong, mixed emotions.

Terrence Floyd, George’s brother, recently provided outstanding advice when he said: “You have a right to be angry. You have a right to protest and let your voice be heard. And to express that anger. But don’t express it in a violent way, express it in a peaceful way.”

Kutztown University respects the First Amendment rights of all individuals and believes those rights can be upheld without violence.

We want to affirm clearly and unequivocally KU’s commitment to racial equity and to justice. Our university rejects all forms of racism, sexism, bigotry, brutality, and discrimination. We each approach the end of this trial with different lived experiences and perspectives. But we share the belief that George Floyd’s life mattered and all Black lives matter.
We must continue to come together as a university community; to talk, to listen, to comfort without judgment; to have difficult conversations; and to help each other make us stronger as a people and as a nation.

We do not know what day the verdict will be handed down - but no matter which day, we will have the following resources available the day of the verdict. Further events may be added and will be announced later:

(see updated schedule above)

SAFE SPACES - All of our Inclusion and Diversity Centers are open for students who need a safe space to be with friends, seek support, or be with your thoughts. The Women's Center and Veteran's Services Center are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Multicultural Center and LGBTQ+ Resource Centers are also open those same hours, but also stay open later into the early evening Monday through Thursday.

If you need crisis counseling, please contact Counseling and Psychological Service (CPS) or Service Access & Management (SAM). CPS can be contacted during regular business hours (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at 610-683-4072. When CPS is closed, please contact SAM, Berks County's 24-hour crisis intervention hotline at 610-236-0530.

We encourage you to seek support from each other, or one of our resources listed above or below, if needed, in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson
President

Dr. Warren Hilton
Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs

Dr. Donavan McCargo
Dean of Students

The KU offices below are additional resources to help during these trying times:
KU Public Safety and Police Services: (610) 683-4002
Faith-based Organizations (via Office of Inclusion and Outreach): (610) 683-4923
LGBTQ+ Resource Center: (484) 646-4111
Office of the Dean of Students: (610) 683-1396
Military and Veterans Services: (610) 683-4228
Office of Multicultural Services: (610) 683-4197
Office of Social Equity: (610) 683-4700
Office of Student Involvement: (610) 683-1383
University Counseling Center: (610) 683-4072
Women's Center: (610) 683-4655