Dear Fellow ASF Member,
As we reflect on the events of the week in regards to the death of Mr. George Floyd, there are few words of solace to offer each other and ourselves for what we have all witnessed. Each person is trying to process it in their own way. The video of the incident was truly horrific. The outrage and response across Minneapolis and St. Paul and surrounding areas is astounding. The fear and trepidation of those caught in the midst of everything is omnipresent. This is the LA riots of our time that we never thought could reach our backyard. We know that there is a lot of work to be done over a long period of time to begin any sort of personal and community healing process. There has been a greater focus in our universities and across the MN State system in how to address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. We can implement new systems, incorporate new pedagogies in the classroom, and increase our level of student services. But it is a heavy lift of trying to figure out how to instill respect for all people; squash racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and other -isms and -bias; and make our communities feel truly welcoming for all.
I want to extend a special note of thanks and appreciation for all of you who have been on the forefront of helping any student or colleague process what they have seen, heard, and experienced. I know that you are the “warm blanket” for many who are struggling. They turn to you for guidance, trust, support, and reassurance that everything is going to be OK (even if you aren’t sure it will be). I know this is especially hard for anyone who is deeply impacted and disturbed personally by these most recent events. Given the complications of COVID-19, trying to have personal and meaningful interactions to address the needs of the students and campus community is incredibly difficult. Please know that your ASF and Teamsters colleagues are behind you to support you in any way we can.
For our members and friends at Metropolitan State University whose communities have been ravaged and made to feel unsafe: we see you, we support you, and we acknowledge that your experience in this situation is unlike any of ours in Greater Minnesota. What we see on TV and in the media in disbelief is what you are living through. Please stay safe and know that we are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Please remember that there are free counseling resources available to all of our members through the State of Minnesota and Teamsters to assist you in your own personal journey of processing and healing:
Teamsters Service Bureau: https://www.mntsb.org/
Employee Assistance Program: https://mn.gov/mmb/segip/health-and-wellbeing/eap/
In solidarity and peace,
Tracy Rahim
State ASF President