Dear Fellow BLSA members, students, faculty, administrators, and the greater legal community,<\/p>\n
Mitchell Hamline\u2019s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) would like to take the time to acknowledge the outrageous events that took place in Washington D.C yesterday. We join Dean Niedwiecki, SBA President\/Vice President, and other organizations in their condemnation of the \u201cfailed insurrection\u201d that defaced, vandalized, and desecrated the very foundation of our democracy. This was a clear attack against our democracy, Constitution, and freedom; It was a clear stance against change, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The unlawful behavior that occurred again highlights the urgency of addressing the clear racial bias in our country. But as former President Barack Obama put it \u201cwe\u2019d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n
This past year alone, we have watched so many of our Black and Brown brothers and sisters abused and killed by law enforcement, the national guard, and even white supremacist during peaceful protest against police brutality, while sleeping at home, sitting in cars, etc. However, yesterday, we were forced once again to watch law enforcement, the national guard, and federal security show us that they do know how NOT<\/strong> to use deadly force.<\/p>\n As we watched a dangerous mob break into, storm through and loot one of our nation\u2019s most symbolic and sacred buildings, we all became infuriated, sad, and confused. We also witnessed the President of the United States, condone, and incite this unlawful behavior, after months before he condemned BLM peaceful protests. We join the nation in calling for \u201cimmediate impeachment\u201d and \u201ccriminal charges\u201d against his tyranny.<\/p>\n Another day of an emotional rollercoaster has passed, we are again required to go back to our \u201cnormal everyday lives\u201d and show up. We are not afforded the same opportunities to show our pain, our hurt, our fear, our true feelings. BLSA recognizes this and is tired of the reality that Black people face daily. We live in a world that has created a narrative of black people as being \u201cunhuman\u201d.<\/p>\n As future legal professionals, this is the culture and climate that stands before us. This clear racial bias will continue unless real systemic and institutional change happens, in action and not just theory.<\/em><\/strong> As human beings, we are appalled and offended by the continued injustice thrust upon communities of color. The riots and looting that took place yesterday by Trump supporters is a blaring reminder of how only Black and Brown faces are seen as \u201ccriminals\u201d and viable \u201cthreats.\u201d It is a blaring reminder of how much more progress our country still has to make.<\/p>\n Lastly, President Obama said it best \u2013 \u201cChange will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we\u2019ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n BLSA wants to acknowledge you and your feelings. You have a safe space with BLSA leadership in these trying times. \u201cWe see you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Aretha Haynes, Mitchell Hamline School of Law Black Student Association President 2020-2021<\/p>\n DeAijha Oliver, Mitchell Hamline School of Law Black Student Association Vice President 2020-2021<\/p>\n —<\/p>\n Counseling Services<\/strong>. Evening and weekend session are available (with Abby, Don, or Jon). Schedule an appointment by clicking the\u00a0make an appointment<\/strong>\u00a0button on the\u00a0counseling website.<\/a>\u00a0If the counseling times offered are not workable for you, please email\u00a0counseling@mitchellhamline.edu<\/a>\u00a0for possible alternatives.\u00a0Initial consultations are always free. As a result of the uncertain times associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitchell Hamline continues to waive any copay for counseling services until further notice.\u00a0If you are located outside Minnesota,\u00a0<\/strong>please inform the counselor.<\/p>\n Other Lawyer Assistance Programs<\/strong>. For students in other locations outside of Minnesota, you are also encouraged to contact your local lawyer assistance program for the same free, confidential services you may receive from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in Minnesota. Here is a link to the\u00a0information in all jurisdictions.<\/a><\/p>\n Text help for young people of color<\/strong>. The\u00a0Steve Fund<\/a>\u00a0is an organization that specifically focuses on mental health for young people of color. They have a\u00a0crisis text line<\/a>, where students of color can text STEVE to 741741 and receive a live Crisis Counselor response.<\/p>\n 24\/7\/365 help for LGBTQIA+ youth<\/strong>. The Trevor Project focuses on mental health for LGBTQIA+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or Text START to 678678. Chat at:\u00a0https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/get-help-now<\/a>.<\/p>\n ABA\u00a0resources.<\/strong>\u00a0There are also a TON of additional\u00a0resources\u00a0available in this\u00a0ABA Well Being Toolkit<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dear Fellow BLSA members, students, faculty, administrators, and the greater legal community, Mitchell Hamline\u2019s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) would like to take the time to acknowledge the outrageous events that took place in Washington D.C yesterday. We join Dean Niedwiecki, SBA President\/Vice President, and other organizations in their condemnation of the \u201cfailed insurrection\u201d that … <\/p>\n