We are devastated by the shootings at a supermarket in Buffalo on Saturday that specifically targeted the Black community. The person who committed this crime admitted to doing so out of racism, white supremacy, and emulation of other appalling hate crimes.
Our hearts go out to the Buffalo community, to the victims and their families, and to our campus community who mourn this weekend’s senseless tragedy. Anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and conspiratorial theories that inspire violence should be condemned completely, and we join the many voices today doing so.
We must continue the meaningful work of understanding the structures and power dynamics of racial inequality that reveals the hollowness of conspiracy theories and the inhumanity and hatred that motivates them. We must also continue to make our own campus a welcoming place where all students, faculty and staff are able to thrive.
If you are feeling the impact of this tragedy and need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to campus services. Counseling and Psychological Services provides a range of mental health and wellness services for students, while YOU@College is a powerful online platform that offers personalized mental health and physical well-being resources. On the Margins offers individual coaching sessions focused on healing and resiliency practices to deepen and sustain students’ personal, social, and academic well-being and goals. The professional staff in our colleges and our resource centers also provide support. Our Employee Assistance Program offers counseling and support to employees.
The end of the quarter can be a uniquely stressful time, especially with so many overlapping tragedies to manage emotionally. Please remember that we’re all rooting for your success and don’t hesitate to seek help or support.
