We are writing to acknowledge the violence against communities of color that occurred across the country over the last weekend, the ongoing coverage, and the degree to which violence and its recurrence has a disproportionate impact on BIPOC students, employees, and community members who must navigate the racial trauma and racialized battle fatigue it perpetuates.
If you see a colleague or student who may be struggling, please reach out to them. As a diverse community of learners, we all must support each other now more than ever. Our goal is to help the college community thrive in an evolving world, and we will continue to do so as these events continually underline the importance of action to dismantle white supremacy culture and to advance our work toward equity and antiracism.
Pierce College offers mental health resources and counseling services, and can also connect you with resources in the community through Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections.
Employees can reach out to the Washington State Employee Assistance Program if you need additional support. EAP is confidential and no information is shared with anyone at the college.
Thank you for your continued support of each other and for grace extended to students and colleagues impacted by this ongoing violence.
Michele L. Johnson, Ph.D.
Chancellor and CEO
Julie A. White, Ph.D.
President, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Matthew A. Campbell, Ed.D.
Interim President, Pierce College Puyallup