Dear Wolfpack Community,

Our hearts are full of grief, pain and many other emotions as we process the news of the death of Daunte Wright, a young Black man shot by a police officer earlier this week in Minneapolis.  

We are experiencing this tragedy against the emotional and intense backdrop of the trial of Derek Chauvin for the killing of George Floyd, occurring at the culmination of an extended period of collective sadness, anger and uncertainty related to the many incidents of violence against BIPOC communities, urgent calls for change and a worldwide pandemic that has laid bare many ongoing inequities. 

We stand in community with our BIPOC friends, families, students, staff and employees as we call for and urgently seek to bring forth real, meaningful change. We also acknowledge how difficult this time is. It is important for all of us to extend our care and grace to all and to respect that many are experiencing deep and ongoing stress and grief. 

Thursday, April 15 is our next Wellness Day this semester — a time to pause for well-being, for ourselves and others. Please see the Wellness Day website for the many activities planned for the day. The Counseling Center also has ongoing drop-in support spaces offered year-round, many of them tailored for specific topics or groups.  See their calendar for sessions that are available now and through the end of the semester. Every Friday at 3 p.m., you may join the African American Cultural Center in a weekly What’s on the Table open discussion to come together, share perspectives and offer support.

Please make use of our university’s many resources for support. 

Over the next several weeks as we close out the semester and prepare for the announcement of the verdict in the Chauvin trial, please know that partners across the university are working to anticipate needs and take care of our community.  

In peace and solidarity,

Sheri L. Schwab, J.D., M.Ed., ‘97
Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity
Title IX and ADA Coordinator
NC State University