News

Supporting Our Community

October 12, 2023

Dear Members of the Northwestern Pritzker Law Community, 

Many in our community have been directly impacted by the horrific violence that continues to unfold. Our deepest condolences are with those who have experienced profound loss, and our thoughts remain with those who fear for the wellbeing of their loved ones. 

I am extremely grateful for all the ways faculty, staff, and students are reaching out and supporting each other. Our team has been working since the weekend to identify every personally impacted student, faculty, staff, and alumni so that we can reach out to provide support. I have included support resources below. 

We also have been reaching out to the leaders of JLSA, MLSA, and MELSA and are extremely appreciative of all of the ways that they have been supporting impacted students. We are deeply committed to our Law School being a welcoming and inclusive environment for every member of our community, and we have made space available for those who want to gather in community and support each other. 

In line with the approach of our University, I do not plan to make a statement on behalf of the Law School. But I want to share with our community my personal views. I unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas. I also am deeply concerned for every person impacted by the horrific violence and abhor antisemitism, islamophobia, and every form of hate. 

As we strive to support one another during the most challenging of times, please let us know if you or anyone in our community needs additional support. 

Warmly,
Hari


The Law School and University have additional resources available to anyone who may find themselves needing assistance: 

  • Students seeking counseling services can connect with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) whose crisis line at 847.491.2151 is available 24/7.  Faculty and staff can access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides a network of services including free and confidential short-term counseling. 

  • CAPS will be hosting "Let’s Talk" drop-in sessions on Mondays at 12pm (Parrillo Courtroom) and Wednesdays at 12pm (McCormick Hall, Room 134). These brief sessions are informal and confidential. 

  • TimelyCare offers virtual therapy and support services. Northwestern students are eligible for 12 free therapy appointments per academic year. In addition to therapy, TimelyCare offers a resource called “TalkNow” that allows you to speak with a mental health practitioner at any time (day or night) about any topic or issue. To utilize any of TimelyCare’s resources, you’ll need to create a profile. Once you have a profile, you should be able to view a list of providers with their availability.

  • Members of our community are welcome to access Religious & Spiritual Life, where chaplains are available to talk confidentially and provide support. 

I also wanted to share an additional resource available to our community.

  • The Illinois Lawyers' Assistance Program is a not-for-profit organization that provides free and confidential services (including consultations, assessments, therapy, referrals and interventions) to all Illinois law students at no cost whatsoever. You can call the Chicago office at 312.726.6607 or email gethelp@illinoislap.org.