Chatham University Statement and Resources: The Capitol Attack
Dear Chatham Community,
We join together today in solidarity, community and with heavy hearts to condemn the attack on our democracy that occurred at the Capitol this week.
Our country was built on the bedrock principle of the peaceful transfer of power, a transfer that had been occurring smoothly for nearly 225 years. We ask the Chatham community to join with us in calling for our fellow citizens and government officials at every level – from the President and Cabinet to all members of Congress – to stand resolute in their defense of this principle and to protect our Republic over the coming days and weeks.
The assault on the Capitol was the culmination of many forces that have been building over the past four years: disinformation and social media that spreads it far and wide, a breakdown in civic relations and mutual respect among citizens and politicians, a willful disregard for the value of facts in governing the country, and the power of words from political leaders to incite violence and division.
At the same time, we must acknowledge the very real impact these events have on citizens of color as we witness an alarming rise in white supremacist activity across the U.S, and the starkly different treatment from law enforcement for the predominantly white domestic terrorists who took over the Capitol than to those protesting racial and social justice inequities in DC and around the country in 2020.
What all of these have in common is that they run directly counter to Chatham’s mission to create informed and engaged citizens that recognize and respect diversity of culture, identity, and opinion. Forming a deeper understanding of how to confront these challenges and find positive ways forward is something our mission compels us to embrace here on campus and together virtually until we can reconvene in person.
With this in mind, we have prepared information, support, resources and opportunities for dialogue for our community over the coming days and weeks to help us navigate the days ahead. These include:
Student Support & Counseling Services
The Counseling Center is here to support students in a variety of ways. Students can set up an individual appointment by emailing CounselingCenter@chatham.edu or calling 412-365-1282.
Talk Campus is an anonymous support group where you can post and connect with other college students across the country who may be going through similar experiences. It’s free to join if you’re a Chatham student, and the app also includes wellness features like mindfulness and stress-reducing exercises.
A number of group spaces will also be made available for students with additional details to be shared next week. Please check your email and MyChatham for specific dates and times.
Resources for BIPOC Students, Faculty & Staff
The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is here to support you. ODEI is offering student space for community on Friday, January 8th at 6pm. You can request the Zoom link by emailing odei@chatham.edu or registering on MyChatham. In the coming days we will offer additional student spaces in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students. Please check your email and MyChatham for specific dates and times.
Resources for Faculty and Staff
Life Solutions is always available with counseling support. You can access additional information on the website at www.lifesolutionsforyou.com.
Racial Trauma Toolkit: This manuscript provides details on a racism recovery plan.
Civic & Political Engagement
Ready-to-Run Campaign Training for Women: On January 22, Ready to Run Pennsylvania will provide non-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government leadership positions.
Dialogue & Conversation
The Office of Diversity, Equity & inclusion is offering processing space and multiple sessions for faculty and staff who are interested in learning how to navigate conversations in the classroom and ways to support BIPOC students during this time. Multiple days and times are available. Those interested can sign up on MyChatham.
Please continue to check your email and the MyChatham calendar for more information on these and other events and resources, while reaching out directly at any time to the individuals and offices noted here for additional support.
Sincerely,
David Finegold
President
Randi Congleton
Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Co-Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Council
Darlene Motley
Dean, School of Arts, Science & Business
Co-Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Council
Jenna Templeton
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Heather Black
Dean of Students