Geisel Dean’s Office, Student Affairs Office, and DICE Respond to Rittenhouse Trial Verdict

NOVEMBER 22, 2021: MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN’S OFFICE, STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE, AND THE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We wanted to reach out regarding the not guilty verdict that was delivered in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial last week in recognition that members of our community are experiencing feelings of distress and anxiety about that verdict, as well as the pending verdict in the trial of three men accused of slaying Ahmaud Arbery in Glenn County, Georgia. Please know that we support and value students, faculty, and staff struggling with these trials and their outcomes.

While the outcome of the Rittenhouse trial was deeply disappointing, it was sadly unsurprising. Although the victims in the Rittenhouse shooting were White, the case sheds light on the judicial response to vigilante violence against Black Americans and their allies. Black Americans already suffer from a disproportionate number of deaths at the hands of police, with few convictions in cases where there is compelling evidence of excessive force and vigilantism. Each of these cases, regardless of their outcome, affect the lives of not only the immediate victims’ families, but those who share similar lived experiences.

The legacy of Black Americans who have tragically died or have been severely wounded due to excessive force—here we remember Jacob Blake—needs to be carried forward in our work towards health care equality. Geisel is committed to standing together with victims of marginalization and dismantling the prejudiced system that perpetuates racism and repression. We support BIPOC students and our greater student body, and members of our faculty and staff who are from underrepresented groups.  We seek every way possible to succeed in our mission to closing the gaps in health care where there are both obvious and nuanced inequities. We still have a long way to go in the pursuit of racial equity and racial justice, but we have the people, commitment, and desire for change in our school, our community, and our health system.

If you are feeling impacted by these events, please do not hesitate to reach out to the campus services and resources for support. Counseling services for students are available at Dick’s House and through Geisel’s Counseling Services.  Dartmouth’s Faculty/Staff Assistance Program offers support for employees and their families.  A list of further resources is available below.

The DICE office will be holding an informal gathering on Tuesday from 12-1pm in Remsen 332 for students wanting to share a meal together. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Below is a list of suggested resources for our community:

Resources for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) to Engage in Self-Care:

Resources for Engaging in Anti-Racism Work and Practicing Solidarity:

Additional Resources:

 

Off Campus Resources: