Members of the St. Thomas community received a letter on July 8 expressing shared grief with all those impacted by the recent shootings in Minnesota, Louisiana and Texas.

President Julie Sullivan and Artika Tyner, associate vice president for diversity and inclusion, co-authored the letter. Sullivan and Tyner wrote that the shootings “serve as unfortunate reminders that our society can fail in respecting the dignity of all people and in loving all.”

They were reacting to the shooting of Philando Castile by police during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, the shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the shooting of 12 police officers in Dallas.

The letter also called for St. Thomas to “stand together and engage in efforts to build a more united community that is committed to creating a just and inclusive world.” Sullivan and Tyner called for critical dialogue, increasing understanding and respect and community engagement. They said they will bring the community together this fall to engage in further discussion.

The letter closed reminding everyone that Counseling and Psychological Services are open for conversation.

Click here to read the full letter.

Simeon Lancaster can be reached at lanc4637@stthomas.edu