Today, opening arguments in the Derek Chauvin murder trial begin in Minneapolis. Whatever happens in the courtroom and whatever the legal outcome, I will always remember the inhumanity of the act that led us here—the death of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of Minneapolis Police on May 25, 2020.
As our state and nation prepare to follow this historic trial, I want to share several resources with members of our community that have been curated here at Gustavus and by our partner institutions in the Minnesota Private College Council. These cover a variety of topics ranging from the legal framework of the case, what to expect in the trial, background on the experiences and history of BIPOC individuals in the United States, and mindfulness and self-care resources.
· Panel discussions that will explore what to expect in certain areas related to the trial will take place on March 30 (media coverage) and April 14 (the aftermath of the trial) at 7 p.m. hosted by Gustavus Student Life.
· The Minnesota Private College Council has developed a webpage with resources from St. Thomas, Hamline, and Gustavus (with more to come) covering a variety of topics related to the trial.
· The Gustavus Counseling Center has prepared an extensive list of resources including information from Gustavus and a number of other institutions, self-care tips, and support for BIPOC students.
This trial will impact members of our community in different ways. Some people will minimally engage with the proceedings and associated media coverage, and others will be deeply impacted by each day’s developments. I ask that we extend each other grace and understanding and create space for our fellow students, faculty, and staff who are all processing these events in their own way. I encourage you to utilize the resources here and reach out to fellow members of the Gustavus community if you are seeking connection.
We are on a journey and have much work to do individually and collectively. Let’s stay committed as we continue to advance the causes of racial justice, equity, and inclusion on our campus and in our local, state, and national communities. This week, take some time to reflect on your personal growth over the last year and think about how you can make a difference in the continued march toward justice.
Yours in community,
President Bergman