Body: 

From: the Office of the President

Oregon State University Community Members,

As you likely know, over the weekend a gunman opened fire at a grocery store in Buffalo, N.Y., killing 10 people and injuring three others. Eleven of those shot were Black community members, and included a grandmother, a church deacon and a retired police officer. Based on available information, this attack was pre-meditated and motivated by white supremacist ideology.

While this tragedy took place far from Oregon, it feels close to home for many. Black members of the OSU community once again must reckon with senseless violence. In response, Black students, staff, faculty, alumni and volunteers alike may need time to recover and be in community. We must each support the Black community and recognize the continued exhaustion and despair that comes from such violence. Please be thoughtful and considerate in the weeks ahead, providing both space and support.

This attack is yet another example of the deadly impact of supremacist ideologies. Echoes are felt in other recent attacks targeting the Black community in Charleston, the Latinx community in El Paso, the Asian community in Atlanta, the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, the queer community in Orlando, and a long history of racialized violence in this country.

We deplore these continued acts of hate and violence, and are saddened by the grief they bring upon many community members. It is crucial we extend care and compassion to each other in this moment.

In collaboration with community leaders, care and support are being provided to impacted OSU community members. Students seeking additional support may access Counseling and Psychological Services. Employees seeking support may access Beyond Benefits or call the Office of Institutional Diversity at 541-737-1063.

Sincerely,

Becky Johnson, Interim President

Send Date: 
Tuesday, May 17, 2022