Dear members of the Bellarmine Community,
We are writing to offer our thoughts and prayers as we move further into the fall semester, particularly since we saw sustained protests in Louisville and across the globe this summer due to the killings of Black people in the United States.
This fall could be tumultuous time in Louisville as we await the Kentucky attorney general’s findings for the Breonna Taylor investigation and face a presidential election. No matter the outcomes of the Breonna Taylor investigation or election, we continue to be committed to move Bellarmine, Louisville, Kentucky, the United States, and the world further toward justice.
For those who might protest, please protest as safe as possible using proper PPE (i.e., masks, gloves), follow social distancing guidelines, and clean your hands as often as possible to curb the spread of COVID-19. Being intentional about the measures used to slow the spread of COVID-19 will give us a better chance to complete our planned fall semester.
We recently revised our student protest and demonstration policy to support on-campus protests and demonstrations. Faculty and staff who might want to protest or demonstrate on campus can contact Human Resources for guidance.
We also remind you of the following University resources that may be avenues of support throughout the semester:
Bellarmine Care Team: https://www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/dean/care-team/, 272-8060
Campus Ministry: campusministry@bellarmine.edu, 502-272-7051
Counseling Center: counselingcenter@bellarmine.edu, 502-272-8480
Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity and Inclusion: jfrazier2@bellarmine.edu 502-272-7304
Employee Assistance Program: https://www.humandev.com/, 502-589-4357
Human Resources: humanresources@bellarmine.edu, 502.272.8435
Sincerely,
DJ Mitchell, Ph.D.
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Helen-Grace Ryan, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Paul Gore, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost