The following message was sent from Erin Lain, associate provost for campus equity and inclusion; Tony Tyler, associate dean of students; and Danielle Green, director of the counseling center, to the campus community on Monday, June 1.

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

We write you today in a very serious time in our nation. Not only are each of us determining how to stay safe in a worldwide pandemic, but we are faced with continual reminders of violence Black communities face.

The death of George Floyd has struck a chord with many people. For many it resonates deeply in a long string of extra-judicial killings from Ahmaud Arbury to Breonna Taylor and highlights long standing violence against marginalized communities in our country. We have seen violence even in the Des Moines community in the past few weeks with the attack on DarQuan Jones. 

It seems like every week we hear about a Black person being killed, a Jewish grocery store being attacked, refugees being mistreated, LGBTQ folks facing homophobia and transphobia, or Asian communities facing xenophobia. The list goes on and on. The reports of violence and inequity can be overwhelming. 

It is important that at this time we not only take care of ourselves as we are bombarded with violent images, but also that we reaffirm our commitment to equity and inclusion. We must take action to show those from marginalized groups that their lives matter.  

The added stress and ambiguity of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic adds additional challenges right now. Below are some suggestions and guides for staying well and engaging your community.

Educate yourself  
If you are looking for a way to take action and respond, often the best place to start is educating yourself. The Office of Equity and Inclusion has developed a series of Social Justice Toolkits, located here. There is an Anti-Racist Toolkit listed after the list of other toolkits.

Protest and Social Unrest
Protests are a form of social and political discourse. You may feel compelled to join a local safe, organized protest or travel to join one. If you do, we suggest you review your rights as a protester. Please also see guidance on safe and healthy public demonstrations.

A Time to Come Together
On Wednesday, June 3, at noon, faculty, staff, and students are invited to come together virtually to share, grieve, and organize. In order to join this session please register here.

Prioritizing Mental Health 
Mental health challenges may creep up in ways we do not anticipate. When we are alone, or quiet, or without distraction is often when challenging mental health concerns can arise. The answer is not to avoid being alone or quiet or without distraction, rather, it is notice what you are thinking and feeling and take action to care for yourself. Some simple ways to do this are to eat well, sleep well, check in with others, and visit with the counseling center. This website provides additional tips and tools you can use to cope.

If you are a student, the Counseling Center is offering a Zoom Call with Sharaine Conner, (LMSW, IADC), a therapist at Thriving Family Counseling Services  in Des Moines to discuss mental health during this time of social unrest. We will share on Drake Student Central on Facebook opportunities to register for this Zoom Call.

If you are a faculty or staff member, the Drake Counselling Center has guidance for supporting students, and at the bottom of the page, information on contacting Employee Family Resources if you need support.  

In solidarity,

Erin Lain, PhD, JD
Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion
Professor of Law
She/Her/Hers

Tony Tyler, M.Ed.
Associate Dean of Students
He/Him/His

Danielle Green, MSW, LISW, CADC
Director of the Counseling Center
She/Her/Hers