Minnesota Day of Unity 1/9

Dear Macalester Campus Community,

I write to acknowledge that Minnesota once again finds itself at the center of our country’s broken heart.

Increased immigration enforcement activity and violence in the Twin Cities, including the killing of local resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on Wednesday, have heightened anxiety and concerns about personal safety.

For some, the events of the past week have resurfaced painful feelings about other tragedies in recent experience, such as the murder of George Floyd in 2020, the assassination over the summer of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and the recent killing of school children at nearby Annunciation Catholic School. Those of us who are immigrants or children of immigrants also may be experiencing additional layers of fear, sadness, and anger.

Please know that the safety and well-being of our students and employees are our highest priorities. We are monitoring new developments closely, reaching out to groups and individuals to offer support and provide applicable information, and coordinating with local leaders where possible. We know that not all of these actions are visible.

Last night, Governor Walz proclaimed today as a “Day of Unity” in Minnesota. This morning, a group of us gathered at the flagpole (and another group met on Zoom) to observe a moment of silence in honor of Renee Nicole Good’s memory.  

Please keep showing up for each other, in big ways and small, over the days and weeks ahead. And, if it is a source of comfort or motivation, return to the Macalester Peace Prayer, which calls upon us to create a more just and peaceful world.

In solidarity,

Dr. Suzanne M. Rivera
President

January 9, 2026