Over the weekend footage was released of yet another shocking instance of police violence resulting in the death of a Black man, Tyree Nichols. While killings at the hands of police are shocking, they are not new – and killings by police hit a record high nationally last year. There has also been an increase in crime warnings around campus, including sexual assaults. For various reasons, each of us may be experiencing feelings of threatened safety, and the sources of threat may be different to each of us. We understand that it can be difficult to focus when you do not feel safe.
We are working to create more equitable and inclusive spaces within our classrooms, labs, and hallways — and we know that a truly equitable learning environment cannot exist without also working toward justice for all of the communities and identities to which our students, faculty, and staff belong, both inside and outside of this university.
As instructors, we also recognize how devastating events that impact our communities of support and may also impact your studies. We would like to emphasize that in BIT 295 we have a Grace Period Request Form for extensions on assignment submissions. We support self-care and putting human wellness first! Science is powered by people; and people have people-problems. It is OK not to be OK.
We want you to know that we are here to support you, connect you with resources, help each other and be a source of care and compassion in challenging times.
With care,
Your HTD Instructional Team
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