The following message was sent to UW–Madison faculty, staff and students earlier today. Dane Co. District Attorney Ismael Ozanne is scheduled to announce a decision in the Tony Robinson investigation at 2:30 p.m. today.
To the campus community –
As we await Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne’s findings in the death of Tony Robinson, we recognize that no decision will heal the pain that comes with the loss of a young life.
A university like ours plays a special role in bringing together people of different backgrounds and philosophies. Through discussion and debate, we learn from one another and, most importantly, we work together to solve problems – even those that may seem to defy solution. We encourage everyone in the campus community to engage in that practice today and in the weeks ahead.
Our campus community will offer several opportunities for those students wishing to share their thoughts and feelings:
–2 p.m. watch news coverage of announcement, Multicultural Student Center, Red Gym, 716 Langdon St.
–6 p.m. discussion, Multicultural Student Center, Red Gym, 716 Langdon St.
–8:30 p.m. vigil outside Pres House, 731 State St.
For students seeking support with this or any other issue during our final exam period, University Health Services counselors are available by calling 608-265-5600 and selecting option 9. Faculty and staff may contact Employee Assistance at 608-263-2987 or emailing <eao@mailplus.wisc.edu>. Final exams will continue as scheduled.
Even as we prepare for today’s announcement, we want to look ahead and remind the community of three important initiatives that we believe hold promise for addressing some of Dane County’s deepest divisions.
The first is the Race to Equity Project, which produced a groundbreaking report on racial disparities in the county. The second is the Delegation to Create Economic Stability for Young Families, organized by United Way of Dane County to put in place the most effective strategies to help young families become self-sufficient.
The third, announced Friday, is a new NAACP-United Way task force co-chaired by Everett Mitchell, our director of community relations, and UW Police Chief Susan Riseling.
We also want to invite the campus community to participate in UW-Madison’s common reading program, Go Big Read, which this next fall will focus on inequality in America. We’re reading “Just Mercy,” Bryan Stevenson’s autobiographical account of working to make the legal system more just and humane.
Our community, like our nation, must continue forward. Together, we believe we can find ways to promote peace and justice through dialogue and change. We recognize you cannot have one without the other.
Rebecca Blank
Chancellor
Sarah Mangelsdorf
Provost
Patrick Sims
Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer
Lori Berquam
Vice Provost and Dean of Students
Susan Riseling
Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police