By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At westmipolitics@gmail.com)
The University of Michigan Medical School actually sent out an email offering COUNSELING for those triggered by the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict!
The email, obtained by West Michigan Politics, was sent Monday morning, and apparently received by all employees in the University of Michigan health system, including their famous med school, as well as hospital.
U of M is hosting a Zoom meeting Tuesday at noon so those hurt by the verdict can discuss the issue.
No word on whether or not U of M will offer counseling after Ohio State comes to town Saturday...
Here's the email in full:
From: MM-EmployeeMessage <mm-employeemessage@med.umich.edu>
Sent: Monday, November 22, 2021 8:01 AM
To: REDACTED
Subject: A message from Michigan Medicine Leaders: Rittenhouse verdict
Michigan Medicine Community,
Many of you may have learned of the recent verdict released last Friday, acquittal of all charges, in the Kyle Rittenhouse homicide trial. Although we know there is a diversity of thought within our community, many are finding it hard to process and understand the verdict that Rittenhouse received.
As we have witnessed past outcomes in gun violence cases in our court systems across the nation, judicial outcomes in violent crimes have been inconsistent. Some may question whether or not the jury would have reached a different outcome if the defendant had been a person of color.
As a community, we understand that grace, opportunity for rehabilitation, and leniency are needed in our criminal justice system but there is no role for inconsistency or outcomes that differ based on racial or ethnic bias.
The Ahmaud Arbery trial is proceeding with questionable gestures by the defense and this too may increase frustration, anxiety, and trauma in our community. We know that these feelings can make it difficult to move forward as students, staff, and faculty, while navigating our complex world.
Michigan Medicine leadership, through our Anti-Racism Oversight Committee (AROC), has unequivocally recognized racism as a public health crisis. We stand together against bias and inequality. It is our collective responsibility as an organization to improve our climate as long as inequities and discrimination exist.
The Office for Health Equity & Inclusion, in partnership with AROC, will be hosting a Community Conversation on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at noon to provide support and a venue for further dialogue.
Anyone who would like to participate is welcome and encouraged to join the conversation. Zoom link:
https://umich.zoom.us/j/99354111881?pwd=Yjg1TFQ3aEtncElzYWQxeTluU2xSZz09
Other resources that can provide additional or more personal support include:
Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience
Michigan Medicine Wellness Office
University of Michigan Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office
Michigan Medicine Office for Health Equity & Inclusion
We stand united for a climate of greater equity, respect and inclusion for everyone in our communities.
Sincerely,
Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, University of Michigan Medical School
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs
CEO, Michigan Medicine
David C. Miller, MD, MPH
President, U-M Health
Co-chair, AROC
Steve Vinson
Program Manager, UMMG Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Co-chair, AROC
David J. Brown, MD
Associate Vice President and Associate Dean, Health Equity and Inclusion
Professor, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Kristen Howard, Esq.
Senior Director, Office for Health Equity and Inclusion
____________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
