A Community Gathering

As you likely know, while many of you have been away from Lafayette, the nation as a whole has been deeply impacted by a series of violent acts and community responses in Minnesota, Louisiana, and Texas.  Wherever you are this summer, we encourage you to be engaged in these conversations, to be aware of this important moment in our nation’s history, and to offer support to friends and/or family members who feel targeted because of the color of their skin. 

For those of you at Lafayette this summer, the staff in Campus Life invite you and all members of the Lafayette community to come together to share, to process, to listen and to be heard in the wake of this recent violence. From the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile to the ambush in Dallas, as well as the protests springing up around the country, these events suggest a need to come together to have difficult conversations in these moments of anxiety, anger, and apprehension.  

To that end, we will be gathering this Wednesday, July 13 from 5-7pm in the Interfaith Chapel located on the first floor of Hogg Hall. This gathering is an opportunity for this community to talk with one another in a safe and encouraging space and may help you to focus your own response, to identify resources of support, or to find solidarity in shared community.

Food will be provided and conversation will be facilitated by staff members in the Office of Intercultural Development.  Additional resources will be provided for those who might find that helpful.

Sincerely,

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Paul J. McLoughlin II, Ph.D.
Dean of Students