A message from Dean Douglas Elmendorf 

Dear Harvard Kennedy School Community, 
 
On August 12 we shared the heartbreaking news that a member of our community, Rodrigo Ventocilla MPA/ID 2023, died after arriving in Indonesia for his honeymoon. In the days since, the Kennedy School has stayed in close contact with Rodrigo’s family and has offered ongoing support as the family copes with this devastating ordeal. Rodrigo’s HKS classmates and HKS alumni in multiple countries have also provided vital assistance. We offer our deepest condolences as the family copes with this grievous loss. 
 
We received yesterday a statement from Rodrigo’s family with their description of extremely disturbing circumstances surrounding Rodrigo’s death—a statement that talks about his arrest and detention just before his death, and that highlights his rights as a transgender man. 

The statement from Rodrigo’s family raises very serious questions that deserve clear and accurate answers. Harvard Kennedy School supports the family’s call for an immediate and thorough investigation and for public release of all relevant information, and the School stands with all of Rodrigo’s friends and colleagues and with the LGBTQ+ community. 
 
This is a very painful time for many at the Kennedy School. I encourage students in need of support to contact the 24-hour CAMHS Cares support line at 617-495-2042 and staff and faculty seeking support to contact the 24-hour assistance of Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program at 877-327-4278.
 
In sympathy,
Doug