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Dear Students,
The shooting of Stephanie Washington while she was riding with another citizen, Paul Witherspoon III, is a tragic situation. It painfully echoes both national news and the historic experience of people of color, especially members of the Black community, in New Haven and in this country.
The State’s Attorney’s Office with the help of the Connecticut State Police has initiated an investigation of the incident. Both police officers at the scene have turned over all evidence in their possession to the investigators, including body cameras and a vehicle dash camera hard drive. In accordance with university policy, the Yale Police officer involved, Terrance Pollock, has been placed on leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The university supports making the results of the investigation public, including the release of any recordings of the incident that may exist, as soon as the State’s Attorney determines they may be released. You can find information about the incident and the ongoing investigation on this webpage.
I understand and acknowledge the frustration, anger, and desire for justice many are feeling. I and our entire community share the pain expressed by students, faculty, and staff, and our New Haven neighbors. We eagerly await the results of the State’s Attorney’s investigation, and when it is completed Yale will also conduct its own investigation.
We also remain grateful for the work of the Yale Police. They are a part of our community, and they serve it with distinction. Once we have the results of the investigation, we will continue our work with the Yale Police to address the findings and uphold their high departmental standards and our institutional expectations of their service.
We are proud of the way in which many of you have engaged with this issue but we also recognize that it can be draining, especially as you approach your final week of classes. Support services are available through Student Mental Health and Counseling, the Chaplain’s Office, and the many advisers and deans on campus. Do not hesitate to take advantage of these resources and to look out for each other.
- SHARE (203-432-2000 available 24/7)
- Yale Health Mental Health and Counseling (203-432-0290 AM or 203-432-0123 PM) or visit yalehealth.yale.edu/mentalhealth
- Mental Health clinician at Acute Care (203-432-0123)
- Yale College Walden Peer Counselors (203-432-8255 from 8AM - 8PM) or in Welch/ Entryway B on Old Campus 8PM - 1AM or visit walden.sites.yale.edu
- The University Chaplain’s Office (203-432-1128) or in Bingham Hall/Entryway D or visit http://chaplain.yale.edu/
Sincerely,
Kimberly M. Goff-Crews
Secretary and Vice President for Student Life
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