Checking in with our Geography, Anthropology, and GIS students

KENNESAW, Ga. (Jun 5, 2020) — A Message from Dr. Teresa Raczek, Interim Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Anthropology (also emailed to current Geography, Anthropology, and GIS students):

Dear Students, 

I wanted to let you know that the faculty in our Department are listening as our nation simultaneously faces multiple crises. We know that the pandemic and high unemployment rates have weighed heavily on students, and the recent killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor and the threats on Christian Cooper have only added pain and distress for black students and students of color. We see you and hear you. 

For those who are taking classes this summer, we know that your attention is divided and that you are doing your best to complete schoolwork while attending to your communities. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your professors if you are struggling. 

For those who are mentally and emotionally exhausted, please do not hesitate to contact KSU Counseling and Psychological Services: https://counseling.kennesaw.edu/.  

For those who would like to see change in our Department, please send me an email with your concerns or suggestions or let me know of a good time we can chat on the phone: traczek (at) kennesaw (dot) edu. 

Finally, I hope that you all see KSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion as a helpful resource: https://diversity.kennesaw.edu/. They offer programs and resources to support the creation of a diverse and welcoming environment at KSU and will soon be posting a set of self-care resources for students of color. 

I firmly believe that Anthropology, Geography, and GIS offer relevant skills for challenging white supremacy, providing social justice, and creating a better world. I hope that as you continue your studies, you will find these skills useful for your own journeys. 

Best,

Prof. Raczek