Statement about DP Day 2020

A statement from our Major Events Directors, Danielle Belanger & Alex Riehs, about DP Day 2020:

It is with deep sadness that we inform you that DP Day 2020 has been cancelled. As we are sure you are all aware, given the recent events with the spread of coronavirus, the University of Michigan’s President has issued a statement “canceling all U-M events and events organized by others on our campuses that would convene 100 people or more from Thursday, March 12 until at least April 21.” This includes DP Day.

While we are incredibly disappointed, we believe that the University’s decision is in the best interest of everyone involved in DP Day. Per the UM President "our goals are to deliver on our mission while protecting health and safety by minimizing the potential spread of the disease, both within our community and in the broader society."

As the directors of DP Day, it is incredibly saddening to have to cancel this event. We know how important this day is to so many of our community partners and the students who volunteer. As we move forward, we are working to plan an alternative to DP Day.

We want to thank you for your commitment to participate in this day and interest in engaging with service-learning through interacting with our partners in Detroit. Moving forward, we encourage that you continue to engage with the city of Detroit, working in support of community-identified needs and priorities.

In the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to all of you with information regarding the virtual work we will be doing on April 4th. While we cannot physically be in Detroit for DP Day, it is important for us to remember all of the ways in which we can still make a difference - education, advocacy, and continued dedication to the organizations we work with in Detroit are especially crucial at this time.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, we acknowledge that this is likely a stressful time for many of you - please continue to take care of yourself.