Activities planned to process outcome of Derek Chauvin trial
April 21, 2021
Dear students,
As we see the spring semester to its conclusion, we continue to witness injustice on a national scale. Tuesday’s guilty conviction in Derek Chauvin’s trial for murder charges was a single but significant step toward a measure of closure in one of the many injustices we have witnessed.
George Floyd’s death headlined a year of heartache, and yet this historic verdict tentatively reflects a newly set precedent toward social justice and accountability for insidious acts. When justice is served, meaningful change becomes possible. As a campus, community and country, we have so much more work to accomplish in recognizing all people as human beings who deserve to be heard, respected and valued.
Please be aware of the following ways you can raise your own voice and engage in affirming self-care, healing and learning in the coming days: - View Guilty on Three Counts, an online panel of legal experts who will explain the verdict and next steps in the case. Check NIU’s calendar shortly for more details!
- Sign up to Support Asian American and Pacific Islander Graduates by making ribbon leis at the Asian American Resource Center from today, April 21 to Friday, April 23.
- Join the DeKalb community for a Black Lives Matter Vigil on Friday, April 23, from 5-6 p.m. at Memorial Park, located at the corner of First Street and Lincoln Highway.
- NIU’s Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host Meditation and Healing Circles at NIU’s East Lagoon on Monday, April 26, from 3-5 p.m.
By participating in these events, Huskies can come together, learn from and about each other, process all that has happened and seek a constructive path ahead. As President Dr. Lisa C. Freeman shared last fall, NIU is committed to creating a campus and community where everyone can find a sense of belonging. Each of us is charged with an important pledge to embody NIU’s Northern Pact principles of equity and inclusion.
There is no doubt this year has held many challenges, but as Huskies we remain hopeful that we can make a difference in the world, starting in our own neighborhoods.
Forward together,
Kelly Wesener Michael, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Chief Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Students
Vernese Edghill-Walden, Ph.D.
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer
Interim Chief Human Resource Officer
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