Statement
In this moment of tremendous horror and pain in our city and our nation following the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor and the countless other deaths of black lives that have occurred in this unjust and inequitable system, DePaul University Counseling Services staff condemns systemic intolerance and injustice. We strongly oppose discrimination, hate and intolerance and stand in solidarity with our Black students, faculty and staff.
We recognize the relentless impact that prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination have on mental health and well-being. Our staff feels and understands the many reactions that can come from these events, such as fear, anger and grief. We are here to join you in processing how systems of oppression and traumatic events impact your feelings, beliefs and identities, and we can also help you connect to resources that feel safe and that resonate with you. Please know we are available to students within drop in virtual consultations, regular individual meetings and general support for the remainder of the quarter, through the summer and beyond.
We will continue to confront the traumatic and unjust impact of prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination by joining with students and with other offices on campus to collaborate on conversations about race and support. We also anticipate providing more written materials online to support students who are coping with race-related stress, anger and grief. (adapted from UIC and UNC counseling centers).
Here are some resources that you can access today:
#Racial Trauma is Real
Racism Recovery Plan Steps
Radical Self-Care in the Face of Mounting Racial Stress
10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship
Black Emotional & Mental Health (BEAM)
#BlackLivesMatter, sign petition, donate, call and email to demand justice