NADOHE is deeply saddened by the recent tragic events of violence that have led to the loss of lives that has shocked our nation, and left so many of us looking for answers to questions with no easy solutions. As chief diversity officers we are deeply affected by the recent shootings and resulting deaths and injuries that impacted the family members of the victims, and members of our own campus communities, including our students, faculty, and staff. 

We know all too well that there are communities that feel especially vulnerable as a result of these recent tragedies, including the African American, Latino, and law enforcement communities, who are hurting, and need, especially now our compassion and support.  

There continue to be calls for peace during demonstrations that are intended to keep in front of us all the need for reforms in law enforcement and criminal justice.  While we know the names, and we have borne witness to the circumstances that led to the tragic deaths of too many, we must, as a nation engage in efforts that are not intended to be divisive.  However, we must give voice to the issues that have not been adequately addressed in these United States.  

We often invoke the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and today, these words ring true: "only love can drive out hate".  We must learn to love, value, respect one another and find solutions together realizing our common humanity. 

It is clear to see that this current and evolving situation affects all of our college campuses.  How we proceed as campus leaders will make all the difference for our students, faculty and staff.  We must learn to courageously have the conversations, and model the behavior that will help our stakeholders work through these issues.  

NADOHE as the preeminent voice for diversity in higher education lends its expertise and its collective efforts to be this catalyst for transformation.