April 20, 2021

Dear UM Family,

As most of you know, closing arguments in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minnesota police officer charged in the death of George Floyd, have concluded, and the case has been handed to the jury. A verdict from the jury is expected later today.

We have no control over the outcome of this trial, but we can choose how we respond to the jury’s decision. We can choose to affirm our commitment to the vitally important work that impacts the issues at the heart of this trial. We can choose to join those in our University and local community who are champions for diversity, equity and inclusion. We can choose to use this moment in our nation’s history to become better educated about the impact of racism, to act upon our commitment to compassionate inclusion and to refocus our attention to the changes we need to make in our own communities.

In preparation for the verdict, please know that there are resources available on campus and in the community to promote dialogue, facilitate action and provide support at any time, but especially as we anticipate a verdict in this trial.

• The Branch Center, located on the second floor of the UC, will be available for those seeking a supportive environment and space that fosters understanding, support and inclusion. Salena Beaumont Hill, director of inclusive excellence located in the Branch Center, also will be available to talk with students and offer support. We have reached out to facilitators across campus who will be available in the Branch Center to talk, listen and support our campus community.
• In Missoula, there are several ongoing community efforts focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Consider learning more and engaging with these efforts:
  YWCA Racial Justice Initiative
  Soft Landing Missoula
  The Montana Racial Equity Project
• The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library provides Resources Against Racism, a living repository of educational materials and ideas for how to take positive action.

University students and employees needing counseling services have resources for assistance:

• The Student Advocacy Resource Center (SARC) supports the right of all students to pursue success in our academic community, openly respects and cares for everyone and is committed to a campus free from discrimination and unwelcome physical, sexual, emotional or social coercion.
• Curry Health Center Counseling Services supports the University's efforts toward campus unity and inclusion. It embraces the inherent value of diversity and endeavors to promote a safe environment that respects and upholds the dignity and civil rights of all persons. The center acknowledges the injustice and profound impacts of discrimination and marginalization on individuals and groups. It strives to promote students' ongoing academic, personal and multicultural growth and welcomes dialogue of varying perspective. In addition to the counselors imbedded in Curry Health Center, a part-time BIPOC counselor working out of the Branch Center at the UC is available. (Call the Branch Center at 406-243-5776 or Counseling Services at 406-243-4712 for more information). 
• The Montana University System’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all MUS employees and household members. Some of the resources available include:

24-hour Crisis Help: This is toll-free access for you or a household member experiencing a crisis at 866-750-1327.

In-person Counseling: Counseling sessions are available for relationship and family issues, stress, anxiety and other common challenges. 

We take very seriously our responsibility to create a culture of respect for all. We are a campus that has worked hard to support one another during a year that has been challenging for myriad reasons, and we are called to work equally hard in building an inclusive, respectful and equitable community. Regardless of the outcome of the Chauvin trial, our responsibility remains clear.

Seth