A Message from President Eddinger: Tyre Nichols

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Bunker Hill Community College | Office of the President

Dear BHCC Community, 

Bunker Hill Community College joins those around the world outraged by the murder of Tyre Nichols by police officers in Memphis, Tennessee, earlier this month - the latest in a seemingly endless trail of harassment and killing of Black men by law enforcement in our country’s history.  The release of the officers’ body camera footage this week has brought further grief and devastation, and revealed the full brutality, racism, and lawlessness of Tyre’s killers and the systems they represent.  For Tyre’s family, friends, and all who mourn his death and celebrate his life, we hope for the healing light of justice, mercy, and peace. 

Individuals and communities across the country are experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings with this repeated trauma.  Please know that you are not alone, and that our College and our community supports you, and will help foster a path toward healing. 

In the coming days, you will receive information on upcoming community conversations for students, faculty and staff - opportunities to be in community together, and to share and to process these events.  In addition to the upcoming sessions, the following resources are available to you:   

Students are invited to connect with the counselors in the Counseling Center or virtually visit our counselors.  We also have 24/7 multilingual support through the My Student Support Program.  Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit BHCC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Lifeworks (login instructions available on the HR Intranet site), offering all employees free mental health services and other resources. 

Yours in hope and solidarity, 

Pam Y. Eddinger, PhD
President
Bunker Hill Community College