A Letter of Support from Dean Greene

Dear MSU Law Community,

At this time, I want to amplify the sentiments of yesterday’s email sent by MSU President Stanley regarding the Grand Rapids police officer’s fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya on April 4, 2022. I am deeply saddened by his death and extend my condolences to Patrick Lyoya’s family, loved ones, and care communities.

Unfortunately, police shootings of unarmed Black people continue to traumatize our Black and Black Refugee Communities. Equal justice under law must prevail and there must be civil and criminal redress for any violation of law that occurred in the Lyoya shooting. We look forward to a time when police traffic stops for minor violations do not end with loss of life.

I want to offer resources to our COL community members who may experience trauma or fear as result of this fatal shooting. Please seek support from the College of Law’s Diversity and Equity Services Office (diversity@law.msu.edu), our Office of Student Affairs (osalaw@law.msu.edu), and COL Human Resources (HR-Operations@law.msu.edu).

In addition, there are also campus resources available to you:

Our Communications team will refer to the press faculty members who are available for commentary. Members of the press may reach out here.

Let’s peacefully advocate for equal justice under law. Our goal must be a safe and secure community for all.

In sadness and with hope,

Linda Sheryl Greene
Dean and MSU Law Foundation Professor of Law
Michigan State University College of Law