Miami University’s top priority is always the safety of our students and community. As you may know, a video with violent and disturbing images was posted to social media last week showing a member of local public law enforcement, not affiliated with the university, striking a student at an off-campus location. The actions in this video by police officers and others are extremely difficult and painful to watch, and as we return to campus, we want to offer additional support and resources.

Our primary focus from the start has been on providing support to the student and honoring his request for privacy.

As we mentioned in our statement last week, we have also expressed our deepest concerns to the City of Oxford and the Oxford Police Department (OPD), and have been informed that OPD is conducting an investigation into the officer’s use of force and an administrative review of its policies. The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

We strongly condemn all acts of excessive use of force, and join the calls for an independent, external investigation. OPD has requested that anyone with additional information provide it to OPD at police@cityofoxford.org.

Many community members have shared their pain and anger with us since the video surfaced. We understand how upsetting this is and empathize with how unsettling this event has been, especially for our Black community members. We recognize that the events in the video might bring to mind other incidents involving the use of excessive force by law enforcement against the Black community, and this distress is magnified when such actions occur in a place we call home.

Miami remains committed to cultivating a safe, welcoming place for all students, faculty, and staff, and will work with OPD, the City of Oxford, and the Oxford business community to rebuild the trust that is crucial to being able to live, learn, work, and thrive at Miami University and in the Oxford community.

We are engaging with student groups to discuss the best ways to support our student community now and when we return next semester. Until then, we hope that you find time to rest and refresh during the remainder of the January break.

Resources:

• Students: The HOPE Line (855-249-5649) is available to students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, wherever you are located. 
  

  • Oxford Students: Support resources are available through Student Counseling Service, which reopens on Jan. 2 for in-person appointments, and virtual appointments are available during the winter break to students residing in Ohio. Additional support resources are available through the Office of the Dean of Students, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. 

  • Regional Students:  Support resources are available through Regional Campus Counseling, Regionals Dean of Students, and Regionals Diversity Office.

• Faculty and Staff: Support resources are available through the Employee Assistance Program.