Breaking: University of Michigan Offers Counseling For Those Hurt By Rittenhouse Verdict

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 inequali​​ty. 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.