Statement from Vice Provost James Moore

Dear University Community,

It is hard to put into words the raw feelings I have right now, following an emotionally-charged weekend full of furious and righteous protests that shook Columbus and many other cities across the United States and other parts of the world.

I have a heavy heart that we have reached this moment in America, and I pray that we find a way forward that begins to heal our pain and make the changes to our society that so many are eager to see in their lifetime. Thus, I am hopeful that we can turn the passionate protests into policy and practice that promotes policing reform and greater inclusion and equality of opportunity among all our citizens. When our elected officials are caught in the crossfire of pepper-spray while peacefully protesting—as Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and other governmental dignitaries were Saturday in Columbus—the powerful may begin to understand the issues as the people in the streets do.

I know this is a painful, emotional, and traumatic time for you, as it is for me. If you need personal support, please know that ODI is here to assist and provide resources. ODI's in-house mental health counselor—Peter Oduwole—has scheduled a drop-in session to talk with students who need help processing this weekend's events from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. today. To participate, students can click on this Zoom link. Also, please be aware that students may contact Counseling and Consultation Services at any time by calling 614-292-5766 or going to its website. If calling after hours, please press 2 to be connected to a counselor. Daily consultations are also available through the Let's Talk program Monday through Friday.

Faculty and staff can access similar counseling services through the university's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that is available to support all employees with a host of resources. The EAP is available 24 hours a day; therefore, feel free to call 1-800-678-6265 to talk to a live person or click here and type in username "buckeyes" to view the expanded services.

In closing, as the protests continue in our communities in ways large and small, I ask that you help to promote peace, reconciliation, and healing should you join your fellow citizens in exercising your constitutional rights. This is the time to have our voices heard, but we must always do so in a way that promotes the values we live by each day. Let us vow to work together to find a path forward that lifts up our fellow citizens and begins to address the important issues of inequality and justice that we all care about so much.

Dr. James L. Moore III
Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion