A grand jury voted on Monday evening to not indict Ferguson, Missouri Officer Darren Wilson on all charges in the shooting of 18 year old Michael Brown. Following the announcement, Portland State President Wim Wiewel issued a statement to the university.
“By now, many are aware that the police officer who shot Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, was not indicted by a grand jury and will not face a criminal trial,” President Wiewel said in an email statement. “I understand how this decision might re-open deep wounds and raw feelings about this case, and I want to urge our PSU community to find appropriate ways to express reactions. We cannot ignore deep divisions in this country over race and criminal justice. However, at PSU we pride ourselves in our diverse, inclusive campus and our spirit of fairness. We will continue to ensure PSU is a safe and welcoming place for all students. Campus resources are available through the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC) and the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion. I want to thank everyone for showing thoughtfulness and restraint.”
