Dear St. Olaf Community,

Yesterday Daunte Wright was killed in Brooklyn Center, exacerbating the sense of fear and pain that many members of our Black community already feel. This tragic incident and the continuous violence against communities of color — Black, brown, AAPI, and other communities — impacts all of us, and it will impact how our students, staff, and faculty enter spaces today. At St. Olaf College we denounce all acts of racism and systemic oppression.

We are facing difficult and painful times. Therefore, we would like to call on every member of our community to approach the day with compassion, kindness, and understanding. Let’s be there for each other.

Our Interim Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, María Pabón, will send a follow-up email later today with resources. We encourage you to utilize the services and support available. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to support you during this time.

Sincerely,
The President’s Leadership Team