Just as the College launched its “Fall for Nonviolence” activities to introduce the M.K. Gandhi Institute to students and the community, we received the heartbreaking news of the violent death of one of our own University employees, Latasha Shaw. In the process of celebrating the new opportunities to learn about nonviolence that will be offered through the Center, the campus was rocked by the painful news of the loss of a young mother who had been taking action to prevent violence to keep her own children from harm’s way.
As a University and as a Center, we share with Latasha’s family, friends and fellow dining service employees and the city that was her home their deep sense of loss and grief. We extend our most sincere sympathy to them all; as a campus community, we have already begun to respond. Listed below are some events that have been planned so that we can share our concerns and care for this fine woman and each other at this difficult time:
– There will be a distribution of black ribbons in memory of Latasha Shaw in Wilson Commons on Oct. 3 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 4 from11 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 5 from 11 p.m. to 7 p.m.
– Donations will be collected for her family.
– A shuttle will run continuously from the IT Center to Metropolitan Funeral Home from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for calling hours for Latasha Shaw.
– Interfaith Chapel Commons Room will have counselors and chaplains available for people wishing extra support and a chance to reflect on Oct. 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
– A Memorial and Candlelight Vigil will occur in the Main Sanctuary of Interfaith Chapel on Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.
As we consider the model that Latasha offers us of human care and resistance to violence, may we find ways to rededicate ourselves to these ideals. Let us each consider how we can prevent violence. Let us each consider, as well, how we can respond to the call of city leaders to make this a more peaceful community.
As residents for the city for four years, 10 years or longer, may we all step forward as fully committed community citizens determined to reduce and prevent violence across our own lives and that of our communities. We owe as much to the memory of Latasha Shaw.
-Jody AsburyDean of Students
-Arun GandhiCo-Founder of M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
