<div dir="ltr"><div><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-5d6a341f-7fff-cbbc-f6db-eb37817f3c41"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dear Campus,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As we prepare for the beginning of Black History Month in just a few days, a time when we should be coming together to celebrate the many essential contributions of Black and Brown people, we are now simultaneously processing and mourning the senseless death of Tyre Nichols. All of this comes just one week after the devastating news of the loss of innocent lives in two Asian communities located in California.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I know that many of you are feeling devastated. Fearful. Outraged. Frustrated.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">And I share your feelings as I stand with you today – upset that we have arrived at this moment, but also determined to create a world where a young Black man can safely drive home without being harmed simply for the color of his skin.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I condemn the violent actions of the five Memphis police officers responsible for Mr. Nichols’ death. While they must be held fully accountable, we must also insist that the policies and protocols that allow for such brutal and inhumane treatment of our Black and Brown community be immediately addressed and amended. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">We can accept no less. We can expect no less.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">During this difficult time, please remember that there is support here on campus for those who wish to reach out. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Students are encouraged to call the </span><a href="https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/health-safety/health-counseling-center/index.html" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Counseling Center</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> at 518-564-2187. Students may also take advantage of our </span><a href="https://portal.bhsonline.com/auth/hashcode" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Student Assistance Program</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, which provides immediate, 24/7 services by trained counselors at no additional cost.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Employees are encouraged to contact the </span><a href="https://www.plattsburgh.edu/about/offices-divisions/administration-finance/about-us/offices/employee-assistance-office.html" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Employee Assistance Program</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> by emailing </span><a href="mailto:ateap@plattsburgh.edu" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">ateap@plattsburgh.edu</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> for support and for referrals to additional community professionals and resources. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As part of our work toward a more inclusive, equitable campus, it is essential that we frame these specific incidents in the context of the larger conversation of racism and oppression that allows violence against persons of color to continue. As such, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a Safe Space in the H.U.B. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 3 to 5 p.m. for students and employees to process these issues and their impact. This Safe Space will provide an opportunity to talk about the violence against Tyre Nichols. It will also address the recent violence against the Asian community during the time of the Chinese Lunar New Year and the rise in antisemitism that coincides with the recent anniversary of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Ultimately, the gathering will serve as a forum for attendees to share and listen to the concerns and perspectives of those present in the H.U.B.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">In addition to the upcoming Safe Space, the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center will host the first Healing Circle of 2023 in the HUB from 12 to 1 p.m. on Friday, February 3 for anyone on campus who is able to attend. This is another opportunity to gather with those on campus, share experiences, and seek solutions and healing with the support of the collective community.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">While we send our deepest condolences to Tyre Nichols’ family, I also send you my commitment to continue building a campus culture that honors and celebrates our diversity, embraces all races and cultures, and protects the rights and freedom of all who live, study and work at SUNY Plattsburgh.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As Cardinals, we will continue to resist hate and discrimination in all forms. And as your president, I and my leadership team will continue to work with all of you to ensure that we are continually moving in that direction. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Sincerely,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dr. Alexander Enyedi</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">President</span></p></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></font></div><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div style="color:rgb(0,0,0);line-height:18px;margin:0px"><div style="line-height:18px;margin:0px"><br></div></div></div></div></div>