Dear Riverbats,
Nearly one year ago, senseless violence shook the small town of Uvalde, Texas. Today, the State of Texas issued an order to lower flags to half-staff on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in memory of the victims, survivors, families, loved ones, and the entire Uvalde community. In a sign of support, Austin Community College District will fly its flags at half-staff at every campus across the district.
As a place of learning, it is up to us to provide space for conversation, where we can come together to remember, honor, and heal.
On Wednesday, our Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Center at Highland Campus and Latin American Cultural Center at Riverside Campus will host a special remembrance hour with a moment of silence. The events begin at 11 a.m. I encourage you to stop by and connect. ACC’s Clinical Counseling team will be at both events to offer additional support. As always, our counselors are available to meet in person on any campus or virtually, and for employees, we offer assistance programs with counseling support.
While no one ever expects to face such a profoundly shocking moment, it is one we realize we must prepare for. Safety, security, and your well-being are top priorities for ACC. Our Safety and Operations Department, Emergency Management team, and District Police Department regularly train for critical incidents. We’ve created and shared resources on our website so that you, too, can prepare for a possible emergency. You may find links to resources here.
This week, as we pause to reflect and honor the innocent lives lost, we rely upon the strong bonds of our Riverbat community. Please take care of yourself and one another. Remain kind, caring, and understanding. Together, we can build and nurture an environment where everyone feels welcomed, where everyone belongs, and where we lift each other up.
Regards,
Richard M. Rhodes, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Austin Community College District