Jan 7, 2021

A Psychology Dept. Message re: The Insurrection at The U.S. Capitol

January 7, 2020

Dear PSYC Terps,

Yesterday was a profoundly difficult day. Many of us 
spent much of the day watching or reading about the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Coping with the violence and uncertainty, witnessing the open displays of racism and white supremacy, and observing the lack of accountability for the rioters has been exhausting, infuriating, terrifying, and re-traumatizing for many. With DC so close to us, some of us or our loved ones may be impacted by the curfew, vandalism, or have friends or family whose lives are in danger.

On Tuesday we learned that Rustin Sheskey, the officer who shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back, leaving him partially paralyzed, would not face any charges. Many of us have spent many months and years protesting with Black Lives Matter. The contrast of the force used against anti-racist protesters as compared to domestic terrorists is hard to reconcile. There has been much talk about what happened yesterday "not being America." For so many, racism is a part of the America that they, and their children, experience every day. Each of us must commit to standing against hate and violence in our areas of influence--in our families, among our friends, in our work, and in our communities. The Department of Psychology will continue to teach courses that help students understand the impact of historical and systemic racism and oppression, provide faculty and staff with training opportunities to improve understanding of radicalization and domestic terrorism, and support our colleagues and students who are most affected by racism and white supremacy.

We encourage each member of our community to take care of yourself. It might be a good idea to take a break from the news or social media, or take time to do something that you enjoy. The University Counseling Center and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion are available to provide support.

If you witness or experience oppression or bias within the Department of Psychology, we encourage you to report these incidents to our Rapid Response Team by using this anonymous survey so these incidents can be addressed. If you would like to share an idea of how to improve equity, anti-racism and inclusion within the Department of Psychology, please reach out to the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

In Solidarity,

Nazish Salahuddin, Assistant Chair for Equity and Inclusion; Chair, Rapid Response Team; Co-chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Karen O'Brien, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies and Rapid Response Team Member
Erica Glasper, Associate Professor; Co-chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Rapid Response Team Member
Michael Dougherty, Department Chair
Joanne Leffson-Bryant, Director of Finance and Administration
Bob Slevc, Associate Chair for Graduate Studies
Department of Psychology's Rapid Response Team
Department of Psychology's Diversity and Inclusion Committee

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