As recently reported in the news, more than a dozen of our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were subject to threats of violence and intimidation yesterday. As Utah’s most diverse higher education institution, Salt Lake Community College stands in solidarity with these colleges and universities and condemns these cowardly and hateful acts in the strongest possible terms.
As noted by SLCC Provost Dr. Clifton Sanders, these threats are, without a doubt, “assaults on the expression of Black excellence, perseverance and hope in the liberating promise of higher education.” Colleges and universities are places that should always be safe and welcoming and where all are valued and respected. There is no place for racial hate or violence on any campus anywhere. We are truly disheartened and disappointed by these threats and recognize that these actions are an affront to us all.
I encourage everyone in the SLCC community to show each other extra kindness, empathy and compassion, today and every day, especially toward our Black faculty, staff and students. Hateful actions are often designed to foster fear and distrust, so it’s important that all of us reach out to support our fellow Bruins and fill our community with love and respect.
If anyone is struggling in the aftermath of these divisive events, please don’t hesitate to take advantage of the following SLCC resources:
If anyone is struggling in the aftermath of these divisive events, please don’t hesitate to take advantage of the counseling services provided to all students, faculty and staff by SLCC's Center for Health & Counseling.
Available to all faculty and staff, the SLCC Employee Assistance Program is provided through Uprise Health. Please see SLCC’s Benefits webpage for access instructions.
Deneece G. Huftalin, PhD
President
Salt Lake Community College
President
Salt Lake Community College
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