Mourning Tyre Nichols and the Broken System that Took His Life

January 31, 2023

 

It was only two weeks ago that we celebrated the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of America’s most revered social activists and civil rights advocates. 

As a leader in nonviolent resistance, Dr. King voiced his belief in the Beloved Community, built upon his Six Principles of Nonviolence.  He also spoke out against police brutality and the impact of systemic racism.  He knew that if America were to find its best self, then love must be cultivated and uplifted to tip the scales against hate and violence. 

The recent death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the Memphis, Tennessee police department is an example of this systemic violence. Once again we are asking ourselves: What can we do? How can we heal? 

In the coming days, there will be several ways for us to share our thoughts and feelings.

•  We will have multiple opportunities to join facilitated Critical Conversations, both in person and another on Zoom.
• A community-based event, in partnership with neighboring colleges and universities, is being planned to show our unity in addressing systemic violence.

Details about these events will be shared soon.

• Also, our student-run newspaper, Network News, will run a story regarding the events in Memphis in its next edition to be published the week of February 6th.

I also want to remind you there are resources available to support you, including our counseling center for students at 1.413.565.1354 and counseling@baypath.edu, as well as UWill online counseling. The Employee Assistance Plan is available to staff and faculty at this link or by calling 1.800.450.1327.

As a community, we must be mindful and intentional of our Core Value, We Are Committed to Equity: “We share honest acknowledgment that pervasive, enduring, and corrosive structural inequities have caused BIPOC communities to suffer. Too, we recognize the uncomfortable and incontrovertible truth that ours is a world of imbalanced access to opportunities and resources. We are committed to leveling the playing field for those who are disproportionately impacted by unfair systems and pledge to create a community where all members participate justly, fairly, and fully.”  We must have the courage to speak up and be intentional in our individual efforts for change.

As a community, let us be ever mindful of taking care of one another as we hold the family and friends of Tyre Nichols in our thoughts and prayers.

With sadness, 
Sandra J. Doran JD
President