President Wippman’s Writings & Remarks

Recent Violent Events

January 28, 2023

Tags Public Statements

Dear Members of the Hamilton Community,

Like many of you, I have been following the news about the shootings in California and the police violence in Memphis, events that evoke a range of emotions, including grief, frustration, and anger.

Last night, the Shelby County district attorney released video showing the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by five police officers following a traffic stop in Memphis. Mr. Nichols died three days later. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis rightly called the incident “heinous, reckless and inhumane.” The news about Tyre Nichols comes even as many of us struggle to process the recent mass shootings of Asian Americans in Laguna Woods, Monterey Park, and Half Moon Bay.

As I have said in the past, senseless acts of hate and violence occur all too often in this country, and they affect some members of our community disproportionately. I remind you that there are many resources here to provide support for those who need it, including the Counseling Center, the Dean of Students Office, the Chaplaincy, and the Employee Assistance Program.

I also encourage you to remember Tyre Nichols’ family as they endure, in the weeks and months ahead, the very public reminders of his death.

David