Ahmaud Arbery should be celebrating his 26th birthday. Instead, due to his senseless murder, we grieve with his family, his community, and our Nation. I ask that you reflect on this young man’s life today, but also, as we navigate this pandemic, what it means to us all that black men globally are not able to enjoy the freedom of safety in an act as simple and harmless as jogging alone in their own communities. The racial implications surrounding not just Ahmaud Arbery’s cause of death, but the handling of the crime by authorities, touch each and every one of us.
Closer to home, many here at Mason have felt the impact of this hateful crime deeply. Mason will continue its commitment to center, uplift, and support our communities of color. If you are a student and need support, please be sure to reach out to our staff at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). For staff, please refer to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) website for resources available to you.
We send deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ahmaud Arbery and will come together as a community in support of our students during this difficult and tragic time.
Rose Pascarell
Vice President of University Life