Justin Schwartz, interim executive vice president and provost, Michael Wade Smith, senior vice president and chief of staff, and Natalie Hernandez DePalma, senior director of Counseling and Psychological Services, share support and resources for those in the Penn State community who may be impacted by the killing of Tyre Nichols by police in Memphis. 

As we all await the release of video footage of the recent killing of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers, early reports indicate the video will be deeply alarming and agonizing for all who view it, and particularly for the family and friends of Tyre Nichols, as well as members of our Black and African American communities. Our hearts go out to all who knew Tyre Nichols and those who feel the pain of loss.

These tragedies occur too often in this country. These issues are complex, yet they must be addressed. It is encouraging that the justice system appears to be ready to hold Tyre Nichols’ killers accountable. Even then, though, there remains much work to be done.

Tonight, we will mourn together for another Black life that was cruelly and needlessly ended without dignity or justice. Our grief is minimal compared to that felt by Tyre Nichols’ family and friends, the Memphis community and others who have lost loved ones as a result of police brutality, but these tragic events can and do impact our well-being and mental health — as individuals and as a society. When the footage of Tyre Nichols’ killing is released this evening, please know that the Penn State community is here to support those who are impacted by what occurred in Memphis on Jan. 7.

It's important at this time that we come together as a community and grieve with and support each other. Let us rely on our shared commitment to a safe, caring and just community, at Penn State and beyond, as we mourn together. Staff in the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and Counseling and Psychological Services are ready and available to support our students and resources also are available for faculty and staff. Please see the list below. We stand with and support all who are outraged, distraught and shaken by these actions.

Sincerely,

Justin Schwartz
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost

Michael Wade Smith
Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff

Natalie Hernandez DePalma
Senior Director, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Support Resources

Students

• Student Care and Advocacy                                           
  https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/studentcare                           
  814-863-2020                                                                                                  
• Counseling & Psychological Services                                         
  https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling       
  Counseling and mental health services available through CAPS, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or at each Commonwealth Campus location.   

For all

• The Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741), which are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and non-crisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses who have a question about someone else. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate.   

Faculty and staff

• Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program, a free, confidential employee and family resource to be used as the first line of defense for personal or work-related concerns for employees and their families.