Dear Adelphi Community,
This afternoon, as we learned of the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, we were relieved by the jury’s decision to hold Mr. Chauvin accountable for the murder of George Floyd. We hope that this is a turning point as society advances reforms in the name of diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice.
As we process this verdict, we want to acknowledge the painful feelings and experiences that are deeply felt by many members of our community. We recognize the pain, frustration, exhaustion and profound weight of this moment, and the impact across our community, especially for our BIPOC population (Black, Indigenous and People of Color).
Our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be offering the following events for all members of our community.
- Community check-in and Chauvin trial processing space for students, faculty and staff: Join us on Thursday, April 22, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., during which time we will provide an open space to talk about the events, trial and outcome. You may drop in and leave as your schedule permits.
- The Chauvin Trial and Our Nation’s Current Experience: Collective Understanding, Support for Our Community, Implications and Responses: Thursday, April 29, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participate in a processing space around police-involved violence, beyond the Chauvin trial.
Also, as the national conversation continues to focus on police reform and to advance efforts that promote justice and equity, we are doing the same within Adelphi and our surrounding communities.
- Ray Hughes, our executive director of public safety and transportation, continues to expand community conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion. The Garden City Police Department has agreed to have open discussions and be part of working groups regarding diversity initiatives in law enforcement in the coming weeks.
- Our new captain of operations for public safety, Shaun Kelly, is bringing exceptional experience and skills to the job. Officer Kelly is advancing collaborations with the Nassau County Police Department to build a foundation for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on a county level. Additionally, Officer Kelly is reaching out to his associate, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, regarding new diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Her Community Affairs Division is tasked with this initiative.
- All public safety officers have engaged in at least one educational session with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion this semester. We anticipate more in-depth education and training to occur during the summer months.
- After a comprehensive review of police force policies and procedures, the mayor of the Village of Garden City and its board of trustees created a new police reform plan. This plan is pursuant to New York State Executive Order 203, and will enable the Garden City Police Department to expand its community-oriented strategies, while further reducing racial disparities in policing with new procedures, training and tactics.
- Our eight-hour Implicit Bias Training for Public Safety Officers will now include representatives from both the Nassau County and Garden City police departments. This is designed to help a wide range of officers to understand the unique needs of campus safety here at Adelphi.
Although this work will not solve the larger national problem, we are committed to the efforts being made here, in our own village, our county and on campus, and to addressing equity and racial justice in law enforcement.
We continue to emphasize the need to support one another mentally and emotionally during this time. Please take advantage of the following resources:
- Student Counseling Center—to contact the Student Counseling Center, call 516.877.3646 or email scc@adelphi.edu. In case of emergencies and crises, you can keep these resources on hand.
- Interfaith Center—to reach the Chaplain’s Center, call 516.877.3113 or email auinterfaith@adelphi.edu.
- Center for Psychological Services, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology—to enquire about services (free for all students) please call 516.877.4820.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)—to learn more about the counseling resources of our EAP (free for all employees) please call 877.622.4327 or visit MyCigna.com.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Riordan, President
R. Sentwali Bakari, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Kristen Capezza, Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Communications
Steve Everett, Provost and Executive Vice President
Jacqueline Jones LaMon, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Gene Palma, Vice President of Wellness, Safety and Administration
James J. Perrino, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration
Maggie Yoon Grafer, Associate Vice President of External Relations and Chief of Staff