Content warning: talk of suicide and mental health

Within a month, I, as a student have found out through my peers that we have lost two students to suicide. Although, the following log (https://p2c.police.unc.edu/crime-log/ ) has three occurrences that have been classified as suicides, six as well-fare checks, and one as an emergency commitment. This is only since August tenth, two short months. Only one of which has been addressed by the school. There has been no alleviation, no mourning period, nothing. As we awake to the news of potentially a third student taking their life, we need a moment to reflect. A moment of silence for the ones lost and a moment of anger for us as students, no Alert Carolina, nothing - complete and utter silence. While all of the events are equally traumatic and impactful. This potential third tragedy has left students traumatized, confused and created a feeling of guilt amongst not only the student body but also amongst the students that live their everyday lives in that residence hall. This is a call to action, a demand for action to be taken. For mental health to become a true priority on Carolinas Campus, for more understanding of mental health struggles. Last year during the height of the pandemic we were given mental health days - but, shocker, mental health struggles do not simply disappear. Not only this but the pandemic is still actively booming and that isolation and fear of contracting or spreading the virus is at an all-time high. Action needs to be taken and the administration needs to start prioritizing the mental health of students, viewing us as people instead of a source of revenue.

*I use the word potential as I personally was not informed of what would be the second suicide, that information was found logged on the UNC crime log. This is not to take away from the situation if it has happened but to prevent the spread of possibly false information. As always, if you are in need of help 800-273-8255.