The murder last week of a Grinnell resident has resulted in the cancellation of classes at Grinnell College today.

Michael Williams, a Black man, was found in a ditch fire in rural Kellogg last week.

Grinnell College President Anne Harris called on residents to recognize and connect William’s death to the long history of oppression of Black Americans. She adds the college recommits “to equity and inclusion and to recognize the violent loss” of Williams.