July 12, 2016
Dear Tuskegee University Community:
The tragedy and horror of the recent killings in our nation have us all stunned, saddened and filled with a complexity of emotions.
On behalf of the Tuskegee University family, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those whose lives were lost and/or were injured in the recent spates of violence and in the incidents the nation has experienced in recent times. Additionally, we offer the same for our University community and the nation as we are hurting. It is our strongest desire that we move toward healing, reconciliation and uphold the ideals of liberty for everyone.
Tuskegee University's storied tradition enables and equips us to understand social justice as an issue calling for action not only in times of national attention and tragedy, but on an ongoing basis until such violent incidents are eradicated in our society. Thus, similar to last year's Year Long Common Reading Experience that featured The Other Wes Moore, which dealt with one young man's struggle to navigate and overcome difficult surroundings, this year's common reading, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, affords us the opportunity for continued engagement with these national issues through planned panels, discussions and forums with the entire University community, along with opportunities for action. This is in keeping with the University's mission to "produce public-spirited graduates who are both competent and morally committed to public service."
As we continue to grapple with these acts of violence, both now and in the upcoming academic year, we encourage each of you to take care of yourselves and those around you-- your whole selves, "heart, head and hands", as our founding principal and president Booker T. Washington encouraged. Lastly, we wish for our faculty, staff and especially our students a remaining safe and productive summer.
Sincerely,
Brian L. Johnson, Ph.D. John E. Page, Esq.
President Chairman, Board of Trustees
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Tuesday, July 12th 2016 at 12:19PM
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